OBITUARY

Betty Lou Zopf

August 21, 1942 – February 19, 2014

Betty Lou Zopf of Dummerston died at her home on Wednesday evening. She was born on August 21, 1942 in Goldsboro, NC; the daughter of the William and Beatrice Barfield.

She graduated from Watts School of Nursing in Durham, NC and later received her BSN degree from Mercy College. In 1964, Lou joined the Peace Corps and served 2 years in Afghanistan as a midwife. She first met Tom Zopf, who she later married in 1967, while he was directing her Peace Corps training program in Dummerston, VT.

In 1969 she and her husband, Tom commenced a new life of service overseas beginning in India where their daughter Maude and son, Adam were born. Leaving India in 1975, they lived in the Philippines; in Tunisha, she served as Peace Corps Medical Officer; in Congo, she directed the U.S. Embassy medical service; and Egypt returning to the U.S. in 1983. Lou continued her nursing career while living in New Rochelle, NY and then in Washington, DC, where she was a regional medical officer for the Peace Corps and then manager of a travel medicine clinic before moving to Vermont in 2002. Lou’s “retirement” in her home on the bank of the West River in Dummerston found her as active as ever. In addition to working at the VNA and The Retreat, she could be found: delivering meals-on-wheels, spending winter nights at the overflow shelter, helping with Dummerston’s Perennial Swappers, volunteering at the library, serving on the Green Mountain Camp board, chatting with patients at Pine Heights, hosting the annual Cow Party, and just being there when anyone needed help or friendship.

Services will be held at a later date. The KER-WESTERLUND FUNERAL HOME, 57 High St., Brattleboro, VT is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Betty Lou Zopf

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Deb Sarlin

March 22, 2014

Feel very lucky that I got to spend a tiny bit of time laughing with and listening to this wonderful Dame. My sympathses for those who had more of her time, I imagine that the great light she had lingers wih you.

Bill and Kay Huth

February 28, 2014

Tom and family, It has been yeArs since we have been in touch, but we see from the wonderful testamonies that you and Lou continued to serve and love as we remember u doing Our heart goes out to u during this very difficult time. We pray for comfort for you and family. Bill and Kay huth

Kathy Edwards

February 28, 2014

Pat Vescio

February 28, 2014

Tom,

Our sincere condolences to you and family.

Vatsala & Pat Vescio

February 28, 2014

Please accept my sincerest condolences. May God and your fond
memories give you and your family comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Ms Porter

February 28, 2014

FBB Afghan IV

February 27, 2014

In 1664 a mixed bag of potential Peace Corps Volunteers arrived at the Experiment in Brattleboro. We soon moved on to mothballed Camp Arden in Dummerston where Shakespeare was replaced by Zopf. Both during our training and then in Kabul Lou was one happy sparkplug. She mad a difference. How lucky Tom is to have known her for nearly 50 years. PAX

Kathy Edwards

February 27, 2014

Tom, your lovely wife wrote a cheerful and encouraging Email to my brother, a member of her high school class, every day for a month while he was very sick until he passed away in January, 2010. "Well done, true and faithful servant."
Kathy Hooks Edwards, sister of Bill Hooks from Goldsboro, NC

February 25, 2014

Tom....I didn't know your wife very well but I do know that you spent many wonderful years together and I am sorry to hear of her passing...to you and your family, I offer my condolences and thoughts at this difficult time....Mike Viola

Patricia LaRoche

February 25, 2014

The angels are surely welcoming one of their own. My heartfelt condolences to Tom, Maude, and Adam. The time spent with Lou changed my life...what a great lady.