Betty J. (Stroup) Stopay, 93, peacefully went to heaven on February 21, 2021 in her residence at Country Meadows of Hershey, with her family by her side. Born August 20, 1927 in Brunswick, MD, she was the daughter of the late Ardeth C. and Betty (Kotz) Stroup Kennedy, and adored step-daughter of Edward E. "Kenny" Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Nicholas Stopay and her brother John Stroup. Betty is survived by daughters Kathleen B. Denton, C. Robyn Broderick, J. Kim Broderick and son-in-law, Mike Bowers; step-children Richard Stoppi (Patty), Nicholas Stopay (Kim) Michael Stopay and Denise A. Stopay; and extended family. Raised in Baltimore, Betty was a 1945 graduate of The Clara Barton Vocational School and worked her way up at the Baltimore News Post from "Gal Friday" to staff writer, and advice-giver of the lovelorn column. After her marriage to Frank Broderick, Betty set aside her dream of becoming a newspaper woman to become one outstanding, full-time mother and homemaker; in 1954 the family moved to Harrisburg. Betty was a Girl Scout leader, active member of Holy Family Church, avid reader, and a strong, genteel, intelligent, beautiful lady. After raising her girls, Betty returned to the workforce for several years and retired as Secretary of the Board for the Harrisburg School District. She was a member of St. Joan of Arc Church, PA School Boards Association, and Past-President of American Business Women's Association. Betty and her family thank the dedicated and compassionate Country Meadows staff, Lifesong Hospice, and medical team who saw her through a recent, though final bout with throat cancer. A 10:30 am memorial service will be held at Neill Funeral Home in Harrisburg on Monday March 1st for family and local friends. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am with health, safety and seating restrictions observed. Private Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. For friends who may be interested, memorial gifts may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, 745 W. Governor Rd., Hershey, PA 17033 or to the American Cancer Society, 112 Sipe St., Hummelstown, PA 17036.
