Betty J. Opalinski

Betty J. Opalinski (Wolfe), of Bradenton, FL, entered peacefully into the arms of her beloved savior on October 5, 2025, at the age of 96. Betty was also lovingly known as Mom, Gram, Nana, Aunt Betty, and to many, simply a dear friend.
Betty entered this world on January 19, 1929, born to Frank and Wilmine Vobroucek. Losing her mother at an early age, she never lost sight of the relevance of family and faith, the main principles that would shape her remarkable 96-year journey.
Betty began her love story in the suburbs of Chicago, where she met and later married the love of her life, John Opalinski. She would often recall how John loved filling her dance card, sweeping her off her feet-literally and figuratively. They shared over 40 years of marriage, filled with laughter, family gatherings, dancing, and an unwavering devotion to one another.
Together, they built a life rooted in love and family, raising their children-Gail, Glen, and Tammy-with warmth, grace, and a deep sense of responsibility. Betty's love only expanded over time to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Her heart truly had no limits.
After John's passing, Betty was blessed to share more years of companionship and love with her second husband, Richard Wolfe, until he too was called home. Through it all, Betty remained a constant presence of strength, wisdom, and love for all who knew her.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A proud and active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for over 30 years, she served as a deacon and lived her faith every day-not just in church, but in the way she cared for others. Her presence was a refuge for so many-always ready with sound counsel, a warm hug, a word of encouragement, or a perfectly timed one-liner to make you laugh. She believed that prayer always makes a difference and was diligent in petitioning God for all of the important people of her life.
She was a woman of many talents and passions. From her time working at Allison's department store-where her love for fashion first bloomed-to her days of dancing at the Elks Club and Moose Lodge, Betty carried herself with grace and dignity. She believed in looking your best to feel your best-and she lived that truth every day, with matching shoes and jewelry to prove it.
And let's not forget her legendary cooking. If you ever had her chicken noodle soup, stuffed cabbage, kolackies, or her famous cucumbers, you know that she didn't just cook-she nourished people's souls. Her food was a love language, spoken fluently and shared generously.
She was stylish, witty, compassionate, and fiercely loyal. She loved to cook, read, sew, crochet, bowl, play cards, and talk sports-especially when it came to her home town Cubs, the Buccaneers, or a good tennis match. Her eyes would light up when she talked about a close game, a new recipe, a good book, or a new outfit. She lived fully in every moment and gave so much of herself to others.
Betty was more than just the matriarch of her family-she was a pillar in the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a gift for making people feel at home, seen, and deeply loved. Her smile radiated warmth, and her listening ear was always available to those who needed it.
Today, we grieve the loss of an incredible woman-but we also celebrate a life well lived. A life of love, faith, family, laughter, resilience, and legacy. Betty taught us how to live with dignity, how to care deeply, and how to show up for those we love.
To know her was to love her-and to be loved by her was a blessing beyond measure.
May we carry forward her memory in our words, in our actions, and in the way we love others. May we dance a little more, laugh a little louder, dress a little sharper, and love a whole lot deeper.
Rest peacefully, Betty. Your presence will forever be felt in the hearts of those you leave behind.
Loving sister of Earl (Gert) Vobroucek. Proud mother of daughters Gail (Jody) Rowe and Tammy Barr and son Glen. Devoted aunt to Sonny Vobroucek and Kenny (Cheryl) Vobroucek. Gram/Nana to her two grandsons, Walt (Karen) McCann and Jay (Deja) Rowe. She had 8 great grandchildren: Gabe (Bailey), Ben (Iliana), Josh (Kaylee), Austin (Alexa), Branden, Kaighan, Jayden and Jason. Three great-great-grandchildren (Damian, Aliyah and Asher) with many many more loving family and friends.
There will be a memorial service held in her honor at 10 AM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at United Presbyterian Church 6510 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, Fl, 34209.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements