Betty Louise Bernard

Betty Louise Bernard of Troy, Michigan passed away on June 25, 2025. She was 86 years old.

Betty was born prematurely on February 3, 1939 at the Delray General Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Since all of the cradles for premature babies were taken, her parents were instructed to take her home and to put a light bulb above her bedding to keep her warm. Betty was born to Elizabeth Toth Szucs and Stephen Szucs who were first and second generation Hungarian immigrants. She was always proud of her Hungarian ancestry.

Betty graduated with honors from Pershing High School in Detroit. Upon graduation, she received a Regents Alumni Scholarship for four year's tuition at the University of Michigan where her older brother John was a student, and she earned a degree in elementary education. She lived in the Stockwell Residence Hall for four years and was very proud that she worked in food service the entire time, rising from a kitchen and dining room worker to a supervisor. Her job helped pay for most of her room and board.

Betty met her future husband Ronald Bernard on a blind date at the university. Their dates were frugal but fun like getting a hot chocolate after a night of studying. Betty and Ron's big extravagance was attending the large school wide dances that featured big name national bands. They were usually held twice a year, and Betty was always beautiful in a lovely gown. The couple was married in January of 1960 in Detroit. They were happily married for 65 years.

Betty and Ron bought their first home in Warren, Michigan and later moved to Troy where they raised their son and daughter who later graduated from the University of Michigan as their parents had. The true highlight of Betty's life was her family. Along with their two children, Betty and Ron were blessed with seven grandchildren and three great -grandchildren. Betty and Ron attended all of their children's activities and enjoyed doing the same when their grandchildren came along. Betty was also the consummate hostess and a wonderful cook and she and Ron welcomed family and friends to their house for many holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, and Michigan football parties.

Upon completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in June of 1960, Betty began substitute teaching in Detroit and later in Warren, Michigan. Betty later attended Wayne State University at night and earned a master's degree in library science. After completion, she was hired as an elementary school librarian in the Troy School District. Betty embraced the Troy School District's philosophy of librarians being media specialists who were an integral part of the teaching process. She was invited by school districts around the state to share her methods of teaching library skills to other librarians. She also wrote reviews of new materials for The School Library Journal. Betty's career coincided with the advent of the computer age, and she helped train her staff and the students in the new technology.

Betty and Ron both retired in 1996 but did not slow down. At one point they were volunteer ushers at 7 theaters in the area including the Fisher Theater and Orchestra Hall. Both Betty and Ron loved to travel. When the kids were young, they spent each summer traveling throughout the United States with a pop-up camper. They saw every mainland state in the United States and later visited Hawaii and Alaska on their own. Their travels led them to Central America, Europe, and Asia where they visited countries from England, Greece, Malta, and Ukraine to Laos, Vietnam, Spain, and Turkey-thirty four countries in all.

Betty was very active at Big Beaver United Methodist Church. She belonged to the United Methodist Women and was on the kitchen committee and the education committee. She helped with after school programs and she and Ron led an adult fellowship group for many years. She also served as a Stephen Minister. She felt her greatest achievement was establishing a monthly book club and growing the church library. The library started with a single stacking unit and over the years, and with help from fundraisers, donations and a small budget, it grew to a full library with bookshelves completely surrounding the room. In addition, the Sunday school hall housed a large children's library.

Betty is survived by her husband, Ronald Bernard; daughter, Rebecca Thomas (David); daughter-in-law, Beverly Bernard, grandchildren, Christopher Thomas (Lauren), Drew Bernard, Daniel Thomas (Brittany), Ross Bernard, Laura Thomas (Scott Voytush), Abigail Bernard, and Benjamin Thomas; great-grandchildren, Logan Thomas, Josie Thomas, and Miles Thomas; and brother John Szucs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth Szucs and Stephen Szucs; and her son, Kevin Bernard.

A memorial service for Betty will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Big Beaver United Methodist Church, 3753 John R. Road, Troy, MI 48083. Family and friends are welcome to gather at 10:00 AM at the same location.

Memorial contributions may be made to Troy People Concerned or the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.