July 9, 1922 - October 10, 2022

Betty Jane Zupancic was born on July 9, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio and was the daughter of William and Mary James of Shaker Heights, Ohio. She passed on October 10, 2022, at the age of 100 years. Betty married Joe Zupancic in 1950, who passed in 1989. She is survived by her son Gary, 78 (married to Toni), Jim, 70 (married to Marla) and Marybeth, 63 (married to Clayton), their children and grandchildren.

As a Downey resident for nearly 70 years, Betty recently celebrated her 100th Birthday at the Woman’s Club of Downey where she was an active member for 25 years. Betty was a staunch supporter of children and was honored by CASA as one of the longest serving special advocates for children in Los Angeles County. She was a lifelong proponent of good nutrition and exercise as an aging antidote, which obviously served her well. In her later years, she relied upon Bible study and a close friendship with her angelic team of caregivers to provide the support she needed to live a long and purposeful life.

The Zupancic Family appreciates all who provided support, care, friendship, and love to Betty, especially in her later years. For those who would like to pay their final respects to Betty, a visitation has been arranged at the Allen English Estrada Mortuary in Bell Gardens for Saturday October 15 between 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM. Betty will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Joe, at the Rose Hills Cemetery at a later date.

The Betty and Joe Zupancic Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established. The primary purpose of this scholarship fund is to assist deserving recipients who (1) attended Downey High School, (2) demonstrate excellent academic or vocational achievement and/or community involvement, (3) are striving to improve themselves through higher education, vocational learning or other meaningful educational pursuits, and (4) because of challenging emotional, physical or financial situations involving their families, find themselves in need of a financial “hand up” to pursue their educational or vocational goals.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family invites you to donate to the Betty and Joe Zupancic Memorial Scholarship Fund via VENMO to @StaffordHillsFoundation or sending a check to the Stafford Hills Foundation (a 501 (C) 3 charity), 5916 Nyberg Lane, Tualatin, OR 97062. Thank you very much for your kindness, love and support.