Betta Marie Labanish

Betta was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, on April 28, 1948 to Nicola and Minnie Mauro. She married her late husband, John Labanish, in August 1975. John passed away in December 2019. Before coming to Williamsburg, Betta was an executive secretary at Koppers Company, Inc. in Pittsburgh. She attended Robert Morris College in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, then Thomas Nelson (now Virginia Peninsula) Community College.

Betta was a member of Professional Secretaries International and served on the Service Education Committee, was a vice regent of the Catholic Daughters of America, and throughout her life volunteered helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the aged. Betta continued serving others up until her passing. That was what she lived for.

In early 1989, Betta accepted a position as a secretary at the William & Mary Law Library, while John became a historical interpreter with Colonial Williamsburg. Betta earned a promotion to administrative assistant, and served the law library for thirty years. She accepted a position with the law school administration, working until only weeks before her passing. Former law library director Jim Heller said, “Hiring Betta was the best decision I made in my 40-year career. Four-feet ten inches tall and barely 100 pounds, Betta had the heart of a giant. No, make that several giants.”

Current law school dean Ben Spencer wrote that Betta left “an indelible mark on all of us through her unwavering dedication and warmth. Her selflessness, wisdom, and genuine care touched the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff members. Betta became a cornerstone of our community, offering not just her guidance but also her empathy and support to anyone who crossed her path. Her tireless work on behalf of others will endure as a testament to the values of compassion, dedication, and integrity that she exemplified daily.”

When Betta was nominated for William & Mary’s “Values in Action” award, here is what some of her nominators wrote in their submissions to the College:

“Betta is the backbone of the law school. She is the biggest supporter of student organizations and students. She is always cheerful, makes sure that students feel seen, belong and respected. She is more than an administrative assistant; she is a cheerleader for students and faculty alike, and no one is more deserving of this award.”

“She has always been a positive light at the school. She makes sure everything runs smoothly so that everyone has a great experience and meets their highest potential.”

“She greets all law students with a smile and makes the atmosphere around the law school brighter.”

Betta was a longstanding, dedicated member of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Williamsburg. She was grateful to practice her unwavering faith with such a supportive and caring church family who enveloped her with love and support. Betta returned that love and support through selflessness and kindness to her church community.

Inspired by Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12 “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you,” Betta took that one-step further. She did onto others far more than she would have others do onto her. Betta was rewarded by the love bestowed upon her by everyone she touched, and she touched so many.

Betta would want mourners to be consoled by her belief that when she passed she would join her late parents and her beloved John. Services will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:00am at Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, 114 Palace Lane, Williamsburg, Virginia. Interment will follow at Williamsburg Memorial Park, 130 King William Drive, Williamsburg.

Memorial donations in Betta’s memory may be made to William & Mary Law School’s Public Service Fund at http://impact.wm.edu/labanish Postal mailed donations may be sent to William & Mary Law School, P.O. Box 3527, Williamsburg, VA 23187-3527, noting the contribution is for the Public Service Fund in Betta’s memory. Memorial donations may also be made to Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, 114 Palace Lane, Williamsburg, Virginia. Memorial contributions also may be made to organizations of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.