Elizabeth A. Valko

Betsy was born on November 20th, 1933, in Framingham, Massachusetts, the daughter of John and Emma Topham. At an early age, Betsy developed a passion for playing golf and developed into a skilled player winning numerous tournaments. She attended Endicott Junior College and Tufts University where she earned a degree in Early Education. Betsy taught kindergarten and worked at various preschools/childcare centers. She dedicated the rest of her career in pursuing early childcare developmental training programs that were provided to educate staff of multiple centers through her jobs at Central Community House and Action for Children. Betsy will be remembered as a bright shining light in the Westgate community where she lived for over 50 years. Volunteering was a big part of Betsy’s life from PTA activities, a local food pantry and numerous church committees/positions at Glenwood United Methodist Church, in which she was a devout member for many years.

Betsy had a very kind, gracious personality with a strong Christian faith. Her greatest love was her three daughters along with her grandchildren. She was an avid animal lover and had multiple four-legged friends over the years! Betsy’s “happy place” was summers’ on Cape Cod, spending time with her family.

Preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jack and Charles Topham. Survived by daughters Jennifer (Bob) Murray of Trophy Club, Texas, Laurie (Tom) Fordham of Moorestown, New Jersey, and Valerie (Stuart) Hartwell of Grove City, Ohio. Grandchildren: Lucas Murray, Rachel Fordham, Nathan Hartwell, Emily Fordham and Carly Murray. Visitation for family and friends will take place on Saturday, May 27th, Noon-2:30 p.m. at Schoedinger-Norris Funeral Home, 4242 Hoover Road, Grove City. There will be a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Also, for those that can’t attend, the service will be live streamed. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, Michael J. Fox Foundation or any animal organization.