Betty Carpenedo

BESSEMER, Mich. - Betty Carpenedo, 93, of Bessemer, died Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. She was born and raised in Bessemer, a daughter of William (Virgilio) and Clelia (Pagliero) Certano.

She grew up in Tilden Location and often reminisced about the frequent walks to town in all kinds of weather to get to work or to participate in school and community events. Even her date would walk from town to pick her up, they'd walk to the Bessemer movie theater and then walk back to her home. Among her fondest memories of her school life was supporting her team as a Bessemer Speedboy cheerleader.

Betty was always a hard worker even as a teen and young adult. She worked at the "Poor Farm" when only 15. Later she worked at two iconic Bessemer businesses, The Tip Top Café as a soda jerk and Ableman's Clothing Store as a clerk.

In 1950, Betty married Charles (Chuck) Carpenedo and the couple moved to southern California. She fell in love with its vibrant young society and its sunny warm weather, often saying that looking at the snow on the mountains was enough for her, she didn't need to be in it.

In 1965, the family moved back to Bessemer where Chuck and Betty took over Chuck's father's share in C & M Oil Company. In 1980, the Carpenedos became sole owners of the business. Betty was head bookkeeper for 38 years.

Betty enjoyed reading, often having three books going at the same time. She also loved celebrating holidays with family and friends, especially entertaining them at the cottage on Lake Gogebic. Chuck and Betty loved to dance, seldom sitting out a number and never missing a polka. They enjoyed traveling with the 55 Plus group on trips throughout the United States and Canada. Always proud of their Italian heritage, they were active members of the Paisano Club.

Betty is survived by a son, Jim (Shirley); a daughter, Dee; two granddaughters, Susan and Karen; a sister, Dorothy (John) Stempihar; her sister-in-law, Nancy (Carlton) Rudolph; her brother-in-law, John Carpenedo; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Joe and Sonny; two sisters, Fran Henke and Inez Barbacovi and their spouses; her sister-in-law, Lee Carpenedo; and her brother-in-law, Julius Carpenedo.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Betty's family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center for the excellent care they gave her.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.