Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Opre

Columbiana - Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Opre, 64, died early Friday morning, February 2, 2018, at Hospice of the Valley in Poland.

Elizabeth, affectionately known as "Betsy" was born March 25, 1953, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Raymond "Bud" and Lillian (Chindgren) Opre. She comes from a long line of Pioneers and Patriots and a deep family history in the Mahoning Valley.

Betsy was a 1971 graduate of Poland Seminary High School and attended Ohio State University. In the early 90's, she returned to school and attended the Hannah E. Mullins School of Practical Nursing in Salem, receiving her LPN degree. She was employed as a nurse at the Laurie Ann Health Care Nursing Home in Newton Falls. Betsy later became the Zoning Inspector for Lake Milton Township, serving in that position for 5 years.

Betsy was a uniquely creative spirit, able to find beauty, amusement, and humor in everything she did. A rabid fan of cinema, she spent her final days catching up on this year’s Oscar contenders. She loved the outdoors - often walking 4 miles a day. She enjoyed the solitude of the woods and spending many summers with her family at Myrtle Beach, SC. Some of her favorite pastimes included writing, journaling, and crafting, making wonderfully odd and one-of-a-kind collages. Betsy was a devoted mother and paved the way for all the accomplishments of her daughter Jilian, of whom she was incredibly proud. In her later years, Betsy enjoyed spending time with her partner, Rick, often going for motorcycle rides together and visiting the Gulf Coast in Florida. She was an avid animal lover with a feline affinity and enjoyed having cats as pets for many years.

She is survived by her daughter, Jilian (Eric Hutchinson) Bream of New York, NY; her brother, John (Melanie) Opre of Canfield; partner, Rick Rohrbaugh, with whom she made her home; two nephews, Tyler (Julia) Opre of Pittsburgh and Raymond Opre of Canfield; great niece, Emmeline Opre; great nephew, Elijah Opre; and her granddog, Elmer.

A private burial will be held by the family at the Canfield Cemetery. A memorial reception will be held in her honor for friends and family on Mon Feb 5 from 6pm-8pm at Michael Alberini’s - 1140 Boardman - Poland Rd.

Memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Betsy's name to The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.