Elizabeth "Betty" Burr Papastavros

Elizabeth (Betty) Burr Papastavros passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at the age of 95. The fourth of five Burr children, Betty grew up in Claymont, Delaware, attending Wilmington Friends School and Penn Hall Junior College. Betty always believed the Quaker values she learned at Friends were important in the shaping of her life, which was defined by an ever-present attitude of love, generosity, and welcoming hospitality for all. Whether helping her husband, Chris, build his medical practice, living with her in-laws in Athens, Greece, or setting up houses in Wilmington, Varkiza, Greece, New York City, Ft. Lauderdale and Vero Beach, Florida, or Avalon, New Jersey, Betty created a life that invited all who knew her to feel seen and loved.

There is no doubt that in her later life Betty’s favorite spot was on the porch in Avalon watching the beach, ocean, and sky converge. No matter the season, she would be there, feeding her beloved migrating birds, watering her gardens, and looking for all manner of unusual wildlife. It was the spot for her, and if you knew her, you knew that you were welcome to walk up the path and have a seat on the rocker next to her, where you were bound to have an engaging conversation over a glass of iced tea, and if you were very lucky, a Kohler’s doughnut.

Betty was involved in Wilmington Friends School, The Pilot School, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Delaware Medical Society, the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Choir and Vestry. She adored music, especially the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera. She played the piano beautifully, leading many a Burr family holiday sing-along while Chris played the mandolin. She was also an accomplished athlete who loved to play tennis and squash, and she enjoyed a lively game of cards, especially bridge. Betty had a sharp wit and a competitive spirit, which was always tempered by her kind smile and the ability to never take it all too seriously. She had a natural kindness and ability to meet people and make new friends wherever she went. She had seven Godchildren, but in truth so many others adopted her as their own “Fairy Godmother,” whose heart and home were always open to share their joys and sorrows. Indeed, her heart was happiest when taking care of her family and making a home where music, laughter, friends and family were the priorities.

Over her 95 years, life gave Betty many reasons to give up and turn inward, but instead, with each tragic loss, she grew more generous and loving. Her example of strength and courage in the face of great loss is one that all who knew her admired.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years, Dr. Christos S. Papastavros, her sons Steven C. Papastavros and David C. Papastavros, her parents Elizabeth C. Burr and Augustus Ward Burr, brothers Frank Burr and John C. Burr, and her sister Mary B. Stevens. She is survived by her sister Helen Nulse, her daughter, Christina P. Fay (John), and her grandchildren Bonnie F. Kibbie (Jeff) of Unionville, PA, John F. Fay III (Katherine) of Atlanta, GA, Kelly B. Fay of Atlanta, GA, and Hannah F. Waguespack (Nicholas) of Great Falls, VA, and six great-grandsons, Elias and Samuel Kibbie, Jackson and Mathias Fay, and Teddy and David Waguespack.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Lambeth House, especially Tranisha Ward, Janeice Ratcliff, and Kendra Ackerman, for their kindness and care of Betty. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Wilmington Friends School, Wilmington, Delaware, The Pilot School, Wilmington, Delaware, or Trinity Episcopal Church, New Orleans, Louisiana.

A funeral service will be held on October 12th at 11 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave, New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 10 AM. Burial will be in Wilmington, Delaware at a later date.