Elizabeth S. Orr

Elizabeth "Betty" Somjai Orr, age 94, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, May 11, 2025. She was born July 3, 1930, in Richeyville, PA, a daughter of the late Stephen and Margaret (Holbus) Somjai.

Betty was a proud 1948 graduate of Albion High School and helped organize many class reunions. In 1951, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Donald Lee Orr and, together they had four children.

For years, Betty worked in many roles at the family business, Culbertson Hills Golf Resort, and, in her 60's, earned her Real Estate License and continued that career for 10 years. She was a member of the Edinboro Garden Club and demonstrated her dedication to service by volunteering her time to clean the rectory at Our Lady of the Lake Church.

Betty started golfing at the age of 55 and enjoyed the camaraderie of the golf community and the competitiveness of the sport. She participated in numerous golf tournaments which included those affiliated with the Erie District Women's Golf Association. An article was published in Reader's Digest magazine when Betty was voted "most improved golfer". While babysitting her young grandchildren, Grandma Betty taught them to play golf and made sure they learned the rules of the sport, counting every stroke and never being allowed to move their ball.

Betty was a remarkable woman known for her kindness and generous spirit which always put others first. For 23 years, she lovingly and single-handedly prepared and hosted Thanksgiving dinner at Culbertson Hills Golf Resort, where family, friends, and newfound acquaintances gathered. Sometimes as many as 90 came together to enjoy this yearly event and everyone took home leftovers to enjoy. Throughout the years, those who were lucky to enjoy her legendary homemade pies will miss this culinary specialty that no one has been able to duplicate. Betty brought the family together by always having dinner on the table at five and Sunday dinner at noon and there were always plenty for unexpected guests. She cherished her Hungarian heritage, skillfully crafting traditional dishes that resonated with fond memories from her childhood, imparted by her beloved mother.

It was impossible for anyone to keep pace with Betty's unlimited energy. Whether working or playing, Betty was always busy. She had a zest for life and that was reflected in her frequent outings to the casino or bingo with her sisters and friends, where she was known to enjoy many winning streaks. Her adventurous spirit took her on numerous travels to breathtaking destinations. A surprise 80th birthday trip to Aruba created more lasting distance friendships and she made yearly trips back over the next several years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Donald Lee Orr, Jr.; her sister, Julia DeDad; and her two brothers, Joseph Somjai and SSGT Stephen Somjai.

She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Myers (Gregory); two sons, Gary Stephen Orr and Robert Earl Orr (Kathleen); daughter-in-law, Dr. Nancy Sauers Orr; sister, Margaret "Margy" Harkness; four grandchildren, Jonathan, Christopher, Jack, and Claire Orr; and one great-granddaughter, Macie Kathryn Orr. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews, and special cousin, Helen "Ilonka" Holbus Wright.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. A private Funeral Service will be held at Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to LECOM Health Hospice, Wings of Hope, www.wingsofhopeerie.org or to General McLane Golf Boosters c/o Jamie Soboleski, 11761 Edinboro Rd., Edinboro, PA 16412.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the care and support provided by Hospice and Home Instead. A special thank you and forever gratitude to Brenda Reibel for her compassion, love and care.

A golf outing commemorating Betty's life will be held in the fall at Culbertson Hills Golf Resort.