Betty (Crane) Kopecky

Betty Kopecky, age 85, of Albuquerque, NM, unexpectedly passed away and went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 21, 2018. She was born on July 2, 1932 in New Mexico to Rueben and Myrtle Crane, and married George Kopecky on January 29, 1954. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Kopecky; both parents; and her sisters, Viola Holmes, Thelma Bond, Dorothy Gooch; and her brothers, Leon and Paul Crane.

Betty worked as a civil servant at Kirkland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. She loved and excelled in her career, as a Budget Analyst. She was a loving and selfless devoted wife and mother who made dinner every night after work, and enjoyed decorating her home and gardening. Betty was extremely healthy and active up until the day she passed away.

Betty was an active member of Del Norte Baptist Church for over 60 years. Betty had a strong Christian faith and loved her church family at Del Norte Baptist. She put her faith in action, and at one time was involved with the Children’s ministry; Betty was still volunteering at the church library on a regular basis. Betty had a genuine empathy for people, and loved to help her friends and family, as the hands and feet of Christ. She often enjoyed fellowship with her Christian friends and loved to play dominos and cards with friends.

Betty loved to watch and follow football, basketball, and baseball sports teams, and enthusiastically discuss her favorite teams, especially with JoAnn Montgomery, her son Michael, and her late sister, Thelma Bond. She was also a dedicated Lobos fan. Betty liked to travel, and also often went to Texas to visit her children.

Betty is survived by her son, Michael Kopecky and his wife, Bonnie; and daughter, Shirley Kopecky (who practices Intellectual Property and Technology Law). Betty had a strong bond with her children, and was her daughter’s best friend and “rock.” Betty is also survived by her grandson, Preston McDowell of Wake Forest, NC; her sister, Joann Montgomery of Kansas; and her brother, Curtis Crane of New Mexico.

Betty was the heart of the Albuquerque Kopecky family, and her physical presence will be greatly be missed by her children, extended family, and close friends. Although many are grieving, the church funeral services are for celebrating her life and her transition into eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Father God, and the Holy Ghost.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Del Norte Baptist Church, 5800 Montgomery Blvd. NE, with Pastor Brad Kelley officiating. A public reception and visitation with the family and relatives, church family, and friends will occur prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A private family service and burial will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Children’s ministry of Del Norte Baptist Church or Lottie Moon at Del Norte Baptist Church, both at 5800 Montgomery Blvd. NE 87109.