BOUCEK MARY ELIZABETH BETTY (McGUINNESS) Was born December 4, 1916, in Pittsburgh, PA. As a young child, Betty participated in numerous dance and music classes, but the piano captured her heart. She had a lifelong passion for the piano. After raising her successful family, she renewed this love, studying with Ivan Davis at the University of Miami in her 50s and 60s, and playing into her 90s. Betty was as disciplined in her academics as she was in her music. She graduated with highest honors from Mount Mercy Academy in Pittsburgh and earned a four-year scholarship to Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University). After completing her B.A. in English with honors, Betty continued her studies on the piano at Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon). Betty also performed on the local radio station, WCAE, playing pieces by Bach, Liszt, and Strauss, as well as popular music. Betty's beauty, intelligence and talent captivated Robert J. Boucek, a prospective doctor two years her junior. When Bob called and asked Betty out for their first date, he was worried that she thought he was his older brother, George. The brothers decided that Bob would knock on Betty's door and, if Betty looked surprised, George would spring from the car and step in. Betty did not look surprised and a 46-year romance began. After Betty married Bob in 1943, she devoted her life to her husband and their five children. Despite the tragic loss of her youngest son, Braden, at the age of five, Betty raised four compassionate and successful children, three doctors and one clinical social worker. Betty raised her family in Coral Gables, Florida until 1982, lived in Loma Linda, California for ten years, and moved to Naples after Bob died, to be near her son, Dr. Frank Boucek, and his family. Betty died surrounded by her family on March 22, 2015, at the age of 98, after a brief illness. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Robert J. Boucek, Jr. (Barbara) of Nashville, TN, Dr. Frank C. Boucek (Susan) of Naples, FL; daughter, Mary Beth Whittaker (Lynn) of Salt Lake City, UT; daughters-in-law, Lauri Boucek (Plantation, FL) and Myrnie Boucek (Bozeman, MT); ten grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sons, Braden and Dr. Mark Boucek. A private Funeral Service for the family will be held in Miami on April 25, 2015. Condolences may be sent to Dr. Robert J. Boucek at 2041 Valleybrook Dr., Brentwood, TN 37027. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
