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Elizabeth Chopin Obituary
March 25, 1943 - January 5, 2025
Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Chopin, 81, died on Sunday morning, January 5, 2025. Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, she passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. She is survived by her first husband Francis Kennedy of St. Louis, Missouri and their three children: David Kennedy of New York City, Chris Kennedy (Beth) of Vienna, Austria, and Maire Kennedy of New York City. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Eamonn and Finn Kennedy of New York City, as well as Robert and Emma Kennedy of Vienna, Austria.
Betty was married to the late Reinhard Ortner of Vienna, and she was the eldest daughter of the late George D. and Marie R. Chopin of St. Louis. Her surviving siblings include Julie Michelson (Charlie) of Cleveland, Ohio, Louise Morris (Bill) of Webster Groves, Missouri, Katherine Berlin (Larry) of Geyserville, California, and Daniel Chopin (Peggy) of Kirkwood, Missouri.
Betty grew up in St. Louis in the St. Roch Parish and is a graduate of Villa Duchesne High School and Maryville University where she served as President of the Student Council and Valedictorian. After graduation from St. Louis University Law School, Betty was an attorney in private practice in St. Louis where she worked as a professional colleague with her beloved father who was also a lawyer thus fulfilling a life-long dream.
In the second half of the 1980s, Betty relocated to Vienna, Austria. From 1988 to 1999 she served as the Director of Webster University in Vienna - thus becoming the first woman to lead a university in Austria which marked a significant milestone in the country's academic history. She also taught as a Professor of Business Law and was awarded an honorary doctorate.
Upon meeting Betty, one would be immediately charmed by her stunning beauty, brilliant mind, ever-present smile, and infectious laugh. She was the life of the party. When the music started, she was the first to get up and dance. Loved by all especially her four grandchildren who called her "Oma" Betty made a profound impact on the lives of her family, friends, students, clients, and colleagues. Her memory will be cherished.
A private Catholic memorial service will be held in St. Louis.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Chopin
Ivan Dragano
March 3, 2025
R.I.P., Ms Chopin and her husband played a very important role for students in Vienna campus to get student visas. Knowing a bit how the system worked that probably was not easy and we were very grateful to be able to continue with our studies. Sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.
Sascha Liebhardt
March 3, 2025
A great woman-probably, no, definitely-the most important person in the early phase of my adult academic life. Thank you. My sincere condolences to her family.
Brigitte Lintner
March 3, 2025
I have a lot of great memories going back to my time as astuteness at Webster university - numerous fun thanksgiving dinners, the school hosting an exchange with a South African University and Betty having been very generous when we hosted the students. She was always here for us as students and always good to talk to in general.
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Susie Chopin
January 20, 2025
I remember beautiful cousin Betty with love and deep respect.
I remember babysitting Chris, David and Marie in Webster in their warm beautiful home, and as a young girl thinking Betty was larger than life and one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen, both of which were true:)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Much love,
Susie Chopin
Theresa Nangle Obermeyer
January 15, 2025
To all the Chopin Family:
We were so sorry to learn of Betty's passing. She was a larger than life person going to law school when few women thought of it. Having grown up down the street from the Chopin family, I love all of you dearly. I will miss Betty whom I admired greatly. We have mailed a Mass card c/o Julie and Charlie to the Chopin family for the repose of the soul of our dear Betty. May she rest in peace.
Sincere condolences,
Tom and Theresa Nangle Obermeyer and Family
Joan Walsh Keiper
January 11, 2025
I attended Villa Duchesne where Betty was an upperclassman (two years ahead of me). She was so beautiful and bright; and I admired her. She had a lovely presence; and was kind and inclusive with all of the younger students. That is what I will always remember, her kindness.
My sympathy and prayers are with Betty's family.
Carol Lutz Lyons
January 11, 2025
Betty was my best friend growing up at St..Roch´s We kept in touch thru the early years of our marriages but lost touch. I was well aware of her many accomplishments and proud to have been her friend.
Carol Lutz Lyons
Joan Burger
January 11, 2025
Betty was a colleague and good friend. She is the granddaughter of Kate Chopin who wrote `The Awakening´. Betty was elegant and intelligent. She was a feminist. Her sisters came to my book club when I presented´The Awakening´
Fran Frieberger James Jackson
January 11, 2025
Louise and family- Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved sister and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Think of you so often. Fran
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