Betty Stipelcovich

Betty Jean Stipelcovich, aged 81, passed away April 25th following a brief cancer illness.  She died in her house surrounded by loving family and cared for by her adoring husband.  Betty was first and foremost a loving and wonderful wife to her husband of 63 years Melvin Stipelcovich who survives her.  She was also the most caring and loving mother to her children Russ A. Stipelcovich (Melissa), Robin S Austin (Tim) and Anthony Stipelcovich all who also survive her.  She is preceded in death by her mother Grace Kraft Counts and father John Counts,  sister Eula Rea Bruscato, and sister-in-law Joy Thibodeaux (Hilary).  She is survived by her sister Jeanette “Sister” Fradella, brother James “Doug” Counts, her sister-in-law Debbie Hankins (Jimmy).  She is also survived by her five grandchildren Max, Ryan (Katie), Natalie, Grace, Leah (Seth), three great-grandchildren Eli, Van, and Ruby, and her beloved godchild Brigitte Ann Antwiler.

She was born to Grace Kraft Counts and Johnny Counts on December 24th 1940 she lived as a child with her siblings in Magee, Mississippi, and later moved to New Orleans. She met Melvin at age 12 and married at 17.   They briefly lived in the lower 9th ward but settled in Chalmette until Hurricane Katrina.   After living in Tuscaloosa briefly they moved to Covington for the last 13 years until her death.

Her second biggest love in life was gardening that she started on a 2 square foot plot on Deslonde St. to a full spread in the Times- Picayune covering her garden in Chalmette.

When she moved to Covington her yard was transformed under her careful and skillful hands to an absolutely stunning garden today.  She adored birds and identified over 70 species of birds in her garden alone.

Her education extended well beyond Nicholls High School.   She took extensive courses at LSU involving horticulture and landscape design.   She was an esteemed member of the oldest Garden Club in the state, Green Thumb Garden Club in Chalmette, where she served as president among other duties.   She was a nationally accredited Flower Show Judge - Master and a nationally accredited Landscape Design Critic – Consultant. She made lifelong friends in the Garden Club and always cherished her time with them.

Additionally, she had a love for tennis which she decided after having three children to learn to play.   She belonged to the Orleans Women’s Tennis Club out of City Park and made many wonderful friends there as well.   Even though she hadn’t played in a few years she said recently she’d give anything to go out there and hit the ball again.

She loved and was loved so much by her many friends and family including her caring neighbors and Hospice care team.  Her burial will be private.   Donations can be made in her honor to the Cancer Society or a tree planted in her memory.