Betsy L. Shapiro

CHICAGO - Shapiro, Betsy, nee Litwack, age 92, passed away December 29, 2025, in Chicago, IL. Beloved wife of the late Lawrence Shapiro, devoted mother of Karen (the late David) Gray, Stephen (Ann) Shapiro, Lisa Shapiro (Cory Rodriguez) and Alison (Andrew) Bloom, dear sister of Jerry (the late Louise) Litwack, Michael (Leslie) Litwack and the late Edward Litwack, loving grandmother of Robert (Alexandra) and Ellen (Nathaniel Botwinick) Shapiro, Adam (Chris Chapline) and Jeremy (Leah) Bloom, and Berkeley (Scott Whitehead) Gray, great-grandmother of Elliott and Amelia Whitehead, Teddy and Blake Shapiro and Zachary Botwinick, also survived by many nieces and nephews. Born August 4, 1933, in Maysville, Kentucky to Ida and Isadore Litwack, the family moved to Cincinnati early on. With many happy years in Highland Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and most recently Chicago, Betsy considered the Queen City her lifelong home, her playground, and her muse. Betsy’s energy was legendary. She packed more into a single day than most people do in a week, and she did it all with unmistakable flair. She believed rules were meant for other people and her mottos were: No Wimps Allowed and Just Do It. They weren’t just slogans; they were codes to live by. She was always up for an adventure and trying new things. She stayed up too late, enjoyed each meal with gusto, and went nonstop from morning until night. Curious, colorful, and always connected, Betsy had a talent for turning strangers into friends and ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. She cherished her many friends - both lifelong and the rich circle she continued to grow. Tikkun olam (repairing the world) was central to Betsy’s life and she always said she gained more than she gave. Her generous spirit in every aspect of her life touched thousands in Cincinnati, South Florida, Chicago, Israel and beyond. Betsyisms leave us with countless stories that will continue to make us laugh, cry and marvel at her energy. The world seems a little dimmer without her but far more colorful for having known her. Services Weil Kahn Funeral Home,8350 Cornell Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249 on Tuesday, January 6, 1:00 P.M. Visitation begins at the funeral home at 12:00 Noon. The service will be LIVE STREAMED https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/embed_viewer/118768. Burial at United Jewish Cemetery in Montgomery. A reception will follow the burial at Trio Bistro in Kenwood, 7565 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236. In remembrance of Betsy's giving spirit, the family asks that charitable donations be made to Lighthouse Youth & Family Services (lys.org), Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (jewishcincinnati.org), or the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Betsy L. Shapiro

August 4, 1933 - December 29, 2025