I attended a funeral today.
Betty Matoff was returned to her Maker after more than 106 years on Earth. It was an honor to have known her and an honor to have had a role at her funeral. I led a chapter of Psalms and spoke very briefly to tribute Betty’s memory.
It is not often that one meets a person that is larger than life. Betty was that. Her energy was infectious, her smile was legendary, her mind was quick, her wit was entertaining, her love for life and for people was endless, her generosity was limitless.
All of that in a tiny 106 year old body.
In my brief remarks I said that the hours that I spend with Betty will always be memories that I cherish. Some of those moments have been the best moments of my life. I want to thank Betty for including Pacific Jewish Center and me in her life. It was a true privilege to have known her.
Betty left no children, grandchildren or great grandchildren. Betty had no peers to come to her funeral. How many centenarians are living in LA? Yet, the funeral home was full of loved ones who came to pay their respects for our Aunt Betty. Aside from our memories of her, Betty leaves behind a legacy of charity, good deeds and life lessons taught to us all.
We can all strive to emulate the greatness we saw in Betty. I know that none of us will ever be able replace her in this world, but perhaps if we all make an extra effort to live up to the ideals that she exemplified, we can serve as somewhat of a comfort to each other as we mourn the loss of our dear friend and role model, Betty Matoff.
May her memory be for blessing.
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Here are some recent photos of me and Betty at her 106th birthday party: Betty’s 106th Birthday Party
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