Age 93, passed away early Tuesday afternoon, July 16, 2024. Betty was born in Gary, IN, on January 31, 1931, the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Hartman) Lecik. She married Anthony Potenti, following his death she then married William Yacko, both of whom preceded her in death.
Betty lived a life marked by elegance, resilience, and a deep love for her family. A graduate of Tolleston High School, Betty was a standout athlete in her youth, earning many blue ribbons as a 1st place runner. She continued her passion for staying active throughout her life, enjoying water aerobics and bowling in her later years as well as volunteering at the YMCA.
Betty was a successful career woman who was ahead of her time. She embarked on a career in accounting at U.S.
Steel, where she worked before retiring at the age of 67. Known for her financial acumen, Betty was a savvy negotiator and a talented bargain finder. She was admired for her keen ability to manage her finances.
She was also known for her impeccable style and love for fashion. She was always well dressed, embodying a sense of elegance. Betty never knew a stranger and was able to strike up conversations with anyone and everyone, making them feel heard.
She was a devout Catholic. She was a pillar of strength and hope, overcoming breast cancer with courage and resilience. Her enthusiasm for life and her unwavering desire to provide the best for both her children and grandchildren were cornerstones of her character.
She will be deeply missed by her family and all those whose lives she touched with her kindness, her humor, and her boundless love for life. Betty is survived by her daughter, Lorie (Kevin) Beckman; son, Anthony (Mary) Potenti; grandchildren, Emily (Caleb) Teague, Andrew Beckman, Alexander Beckman, Nora Potenti, Matthew Potenti; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald Lecik; and son, Matthew Potenti.
Mass and celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St.
Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, 421 Monroe St., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family for visitation 30 minutes prior to the church service at 10:30 a.
m. Betty will be laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
Those wising to attend the graveside service should meet in the parking lot at 7535 Taft St., Merrillville, IN at 10:30 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators, in c/o the funeral home. Friends may leave a condolence message for the family at www.jolderesma-klein.
com ..
