Elizabeth “Betty” Perry, 76 (nee Kovecsi and Goodman) of Lowell, formerly of Merrillville, passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021.
She is survived by her children; Kim Perry, Tracy Purcell and Michael (Kelly) Goodman, Grandchildren; Katie, Kristina, Sarah, Mikey and Jaxson, Great grandchildren; Juliana and Nevaeh, and Grandcats; Moo Moo, Peyton, Lucy and Charlie. Also survived by siblings; Steve and Diana Kovecsi, Cookie Sorak, Carol and Tom Koisor, brother in law; Donald Wilcox and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Steve and Rose Kovecsi, brothers Bob and John Kovecsi and sister Mary Wilcox.
Betty was a lifetime member of the Independence Hill Volunteer Fire Department, now Merrillville station 2. She was the first female volunteer firefighter and held many positions along the way for 30 years. Although the trucks were often taller than her, she loved being a firefighter and helping in people’s time of need. She was also a very avid Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame and Dallas Cowboys fan. She hardly ever missed a game and was often heard yelling at the TV, cheering on her favorite teams. She especially loved Troy Aikman. After losing both of her legs, she spent her final few months at home, where she loved going for strolls in her wheelchair, playing games, doing her nails, drinking her frozen coke, Pepsi with lots of ice and watching the Hallmark Channel, surrounded by those that loved her. She touched so many lives and was loved by so many people.
A memorial service in Elizabeth’s honor, including an IVFA service, will be held Thursday, May 20th, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Merrillville fire department, Station 2; 7905 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN. Friends are welcome from 6:00 pm until the time of service to meet with family and pay their respects. No need to dress up, come in jeans. Mama hated having to dress up and loved being comfortable, usually pj pants and t-shirts were her favorite. Please come and share your favorite stories of her, as I know there are many!
In lieu of flowers, a fundraiser has been set up on Facebook under the name ‘In memory of Betty Perry’.