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.
REMEMBERING
Betty Lou Zopf
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RECEIVE UPDATESDeb 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.
February 25, 2014
Tom: Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss.
Stanley Dunn
Don Sanders
February 25, 2014
Dear Tom, Iam so sorry to hear about the death of Lou.
Tom Alcedo
February 25, 2014
Dear Tom and Family,
deeply saddened to hear of Lou passing away. May God give you the strength to get through this difficult time.
May she rest in peace
Louis Alexander
February 25, 2014
Dear Tom and family, our heartfelt condolences during this difficult moment. Lou was alwasy so full of life and kindness toward Taina and me and the triplets. We all send you our warmest wishes and strength - I know you are filled with wonderful memories of your time together and will always celebrate a life well lived with her.
Warmest wishes from Louis and Taina Alexander
Ron Burkard
February 25, 2014
The world is a better place because lovely Lou passed our way. Deepest sympathies to Tom, Maude, Adam and all whose lives she touched. I fondly remember when we first met in 1975 at the Zoph residence in Chandighar, India. Lou's presence never failed to lift spirits. RIP.
Remko Vonk
February 25, 2014
Dear Tom and family. On behalf of Marion and the family I would like to pass our most sincere condolences. It was a real privilege to have met both of you in Amsterdam a few years ago. We will remember Lou as the ultimate caring and friendly person, you and her were wonderful hosts in New York and Brattleboro.
Remko Vonk
Karen Blanchard
February 24, 2014
Lou's sparkle and zest for life is her legacy even in the midst of deep sadness for her sudden passing. Sending love
February 24, 2014
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Betty, but are grateful for her service to our nation as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
February 24, 2014
Dear Tom and Family,
We are so sorry to learn of Lou's death. She will remain alive in our memory.
Our condolences and best wishes to you all.
Ray and Ayla Clark
Chloe Learey
February 23, 2014
My deepest condolences at Lou's passing. I remember meeting her at the Dummerston book group many years ago, and was pleased to serve with her on the Board of Green Mountain Camp for Girls. Lou is one of the loveliest people I have met and I imagine her light shining amongst the stars now that she is not with us on earth any longer.
Jennifer Walters
February 22, 2014
Dearest Tom, Words are inadequate to express the sympathy and condolences felt for you and your family. Lou was such a loving, caring angel in this world; Sam, Mom & I had our lives deeply enriched by her kindness & giving spirit. Together you touched and helped so many. Lou's sparkling smile, positive attitude, concern for others followed up w/ loving action was truly admirable. Her gracious, generous hospitality plus her willingness to go that extra mile was inspiring. My heart goes out to you during this difficult transition. You and your family will be kept in our thoughts and prayers. May love of friends surround you, and may all things precious to you about Lou live on in your heart always. With great sadness & love, Jennifer & Edith
Mary Mathias
February 22, 2014
Dear Tom and Family, Very sorry to see the news about Lou - We first met at the Overflow Shelter, then at the Retreat where we both worked per diem. But our strongest connection was at Vermont Insight, where Lou often joined the meditation on Sunday mornings. I'd noticed that she had not been there lately, but thought perhaps you were traveling, as you loved to do. Please accept my heartfelt sorrow at realizing she is no longer with us. Please also know that she lives on in many hearts, including mine. Lou was a delight, a font of information, fun to be with; she put others at their ease in such a delightful way, and she always looked for ways to help. Blessings on you and your children. May your memories and your love for one another sustain you at this difficult time. I'm filled with sadness, and also with the joy of having know Lou. Mary Mathias
Carol Bellucci
February 22, 2014
Tom, please accept my condolences. I only wish that I could have sat with her before she passed and let her know what a wonderful nurse and human being she is. I remember what she said to me one time we worked together, "I only want to be of service." and she was, what a loss to us. may she rest in peace.
February 22, 2014
My heart is aching as I think of life without Lou- I pray I feel her as my guardian angel and all her love, sweetness, caring and concern can feel as real as always. Henry and I send all our love and support to all of you during this time, Tom, Maude and Dan, Adam and Regina, Dummerston community, family and friends. We will continue to hold Lou in the light.
With tears and love from Dhaka, Lauren Alderfer
February 22, 2014
My heart is aching as I think of life without Lou- I pray I feel her as my guardian angel and all her love, sweetness, caring and concern can feel as real as always. Henry and I send all our love and support to all of you during this time, Tom, Maude and Dan, Adam and Regina, Dummerston community, family and friends. We will continue to hold Lou in the light.
With tears and love from Dhaka,
Lauren Alderfer
February 22, 2014
Dear Tom,
I woke up early this morning to the news that our Lovely and Beloved Lou had left us. As I watched the sun rise this morning my thoughts and prayers were with you and family over our loss. Today the sun was a beautiful orange ball with no cloud in sight, sparkling and shining with smiles, like the ones Lou would give us at every moment's nod and hello. Her warm heart and lovely laughter filled us like a blazing sun.
As you know, Lou was my Blueberry Babe, keeping me stocked with those frozen blue wonders which you and she would pick the season before. She gave so lovingly, even when it might mean one less blueberry pie for you two to share on a cold Vermont night. When I will think of Lou--and you--I'll think of being drenched by her sun-kissed warmth and blueberries a la mode. She truly was--and is--the crown jewel of Dumerston...and way beyond!
In Deepest Love,
Henry Alderfer
February 22, 2014
Dear Tom,
I woke up early this morning to the news that our Lovely and Beloved Lou had left us. As I watched the sun rise this morning my thoughts and prayers were with you and family over our loss. Today the sun was a beautiful orange ball with no cloud in sight, sparkling and shining with smiles, like the ones Lou would give us at every moment's nod and hello. Her warm heart and lovely laughter filled us like a blazing sun, ever-growing.
As you know, Lou was my Blueberry Babe, keeping me stocked with those frozen blue wonders which you and she would pick the season before. She gave so lovingly, even when it might mean one less blueberry pie for you two to share on a cold Vermont night. When I will think of Lou--and you--I'll think of being drenched by her sun-kissed warmth and blueberries a la mode. She truly was--and is--the crown jewel of Dumerston...and way beyond!
In Deepest Love,
Henry Alderfer
February 21, 2014
Dear Tom and family, both Rick and I were saddened to hear about Lou's death. Please accept our condolences and be assured that we are thinking of you.
Rick and Mary Sorensen
February 21, 2014
What a remarkable woman.We should all strive to spend our lives with the same nobility and purpose.What a legacy she left behind
Cheenu Srinnivasan K T
February 21, 2014
Dear Tom,
I stumbled across this obituary, sad message accidentally and shocked to learn that Lou is no more with us. Only few minutes ago I sent you a message asking you about Lou's health Tom. I am so sorry and deeply saddened. My heartfelt condolences to you and other family members. May the departed soul rest in peace.
Cheenu
Mumbai, India
Ron Stegall
February 21, 2014
Am overwhelmed with the news from Meru this morning and the hole in the fabric of our overlapping lives that it reveals. Tried to write here, so you could read, with other messages, when you were up to it , but there is not enough space...so will be indirect contact. Much to share with you, but for now the guarantee of my availability to you at any point!
Yours,
Ron