Betta Labanish

Betta Marie Labanish, beloved by everyone who had the privilege of being in her company, passed away on January 6, 2024. Betta was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, on April 28, 1948, to Nicola and Minnie Mauro. She is predeceased by her husband, John Labanish, whom she married in August 1975. He passed away in December 2019.

Before she arrived in Williamsburg, Betta held the position of executive secretary at Koppers Company, Inc. in Pittsburgh. Her educational background includes studies at Robert Morris College in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, as well as attendance at Thomas Nelson (now Virginia Peninsula) Community College).

Inspired by Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12 “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” Betta took that one step further. She did far more unto others than she would have others do for her.  Betta was rewarded by the love bestowed upon her by everyone she touched, and she touched so many.

She made an immeasurable impact on the lives of others through her participation in several organizations including the Professional Secretaries International where she served on the Service Education Committee, and she was also a vice regent of the Catholic Daughters of America. Betta’s warm personality, infectious smile, and compassion for others were evident in her passion for volunteerism. She never hesitated to help anyone she encountered and spent much of her time helping seniors and individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges.

In early 1989, Betta accepted a position as secretary at William & Mary Law School working in the law library, while John became a historical interpreter with Colonial Williamsburg. Betta earned a promotion to administrative assistant and served the law library for 30 years. She then accepted a position with the law school administration, which gave her even more opportunities to interface with students, visitors, and staff members as they entered the building each day. In this position, Betta made it her mission to gently guide and welcome anyone she met and continued doing so up until weeks before her passing.

“Hiring Betta was the best decision I made in my 40-year career. Four feet ten inches tall and barely 100 pounds, Betta had the heart of a giant. No, make that several giants,” says Jim Heller, Law Library Director.

Current law school dean A. Benjamin Spencer also noted Betta's impact on the community.

“Betta left an indelible mark on all of us through her unwavering dedication and warmth. Her selflessness, wisdom, and genuine care touched the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff members. Betta became a cornerstone of our community, offering not just her guidance but also her empathy and support to anyone who crossed her path. Her tireless work on behalf of others will endure as a testament to the values of compassion, dedication, and integrity that she exemplified daily,” says Dean Spencer.

Betta’s service was also recognized by the community when she was nominated for William & Mary’s “Values in Action” award. Here is what some of her nominators wrote in their submissions to the university:

“Betta is the backbone of the law school. She is the biggest supporter of student organizations and students. She is always cheerful, makes sure that students feel seen, belong, and respected. She is more than an administrative assistant; she is a cheerleader for students and faculty alike, and no one is more deserving of this award.”

“She has always been a positive light at the school. She makes sure everything runs smoothly so that everyone has a great experience and meets their highest potential.”

“She greets all law students with a smile and makes the atmosphere around the law school brighter.”

Betta was a longstanding, dedicated member of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Williamsburg. She was grateful to practice her unwavering faith with such a caring church family who enveloped her with love and support. Betta returned that love through selflessness and kindness to her church community.

Betta would want mourners to be consoled by her belief that when she passed, she would join her late parents and her beloved John.

Services will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, 114 Palace Lane, Williamsburg, Virginia. Interment will follow at Williamsburg Memorial Park, 130 King William Drive, Williamsburg.

Donations in Betta’s memory may be made to William & Mary Law School’s Public Service Fund at http://impact.wm.edu/labanish