Betty Joyce Szerdy Stevens (November 4, 1948 died Peacefully at Ames Family Hospice House on Saturday October 2, 2021 with her beloved husband at her side. Betty was a 1966 graduate of Harvey High School in Painesville, OH. And went on to get her education degree from Kent State University in 1971. She was a witness to the May 4th 1970 shootings on campus which greatly influenced her political and social views for the remainder of her life. Betty married her high school sweetheart and they eventually settled down in Lorain County. The couple had two children who became the focal point of her life as a stay home parent, until they became school aged and Betty returned to teaching. Betty worked primarily as a special education teacher for behaviorally challenged teenagers throughout Lorain County, most notably at Sheffield Middle School. Betty excelled at connecting with those hard to reach students that had fallen through the cracks of the traditional education system. Many of her former students and colleagues remained in contact with her until her passing. In retirement, Betty loved going to her "River House" along the Grand River in Ashtabula County and spending time with her family and close group of friends. Her main passion became her grandchildren and all who knew her witnessed how much she enjoyed being their "Doe" through her frequent social media posts and photo sharing. Betty loved a good bargain and there was not a flea market, resale shop, or garage sale that she did not frequent. She had a knack for picking out unique gifts for friends and family, as long as she didn't have to pay full price. She was a kind woman, an appreciator of music, an amazing listener, and a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, teacher, and friend. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her. Betty leaves behind her beloved spouse of 50 years, Bruce Stevens; their children, Jenifer Stevens and Brandon Stevens (Molly); the two grandchildren who were the loves of her life, Benjamin "Jamie" Anglewicz and Hale Stevens and her constant companion throughout her illness, Stanley the dog. Betty is survived by her sister, Elaine Szerdy Schafer (Steve) and brother, Steven Szerdy (Katherine) and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, co-workers, cousins and extended and chosen family. Betty was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Kuchinski Szerdy; father, Steve Szerdy; brothers, Edward Szerdy and William Szerdy (Corrine) and grandchild, Jacek Anglewicz. Throughout her lengthy illness, Betty remained optimistic and was a determined fighter. She benefited from a kidney transplant in 2018, which allowed her to enjoy three "bonus years", as she often referred to them, which enabled her to meet her youngest grandchild. Betty also had an innate love of animals, especially the shelter animals, and shared her home and her love with many rescue animals over the years. As such, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to LifeBanc (P.O. Box 933379 Cleveland, Ohio 44193 https:www.lifebanc.org/how-to-help/contribute-now) or to the Friendship Animal Protective League (8303 Murray Ridge Rd. Elyria, Ohio 44035 https://friendshipapl.org/donate-online) so that others may have the same second chance at life. A celebration of life and calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 Pm at the Lake House, located at Veterans Park in Avon Lake, Ohio (32756 Lake Road, Avon Lake, Ohio 44012). A memorial service will be held at approximately 1:30 PM and a light lunch will follow. The family welcomes all those who loved Betty to join us as we celebrate Betty's amazing life. Out of respect to Betty and other transplant/immuno-compromised individuals, the family is asking masks be worn indoors. Betty was adamant that she wanted to be remembered by the Lyrics to the Tracy Chapman song, Say hallelujah: Say hallelujah Throw up your hands The bucket is kicked The body is gone Arrangements were entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elyria, 440-322-4626. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com

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