Elizabeth G. Lapinski

ELIZABETH G. LAPINSKI, 92

LAKELAND - Elizabeth G. Lapinski, 92, passed away of heart failure on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the George C. Forsythe Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, FL.

Beth was born in Oglesby, IL on November 19, 1915 to John and Mary (Daley) Gedraitis. She graduated from beauty school in Illinois in 1923 and opened her own shop. She married Peter William Lapinski and together they operated taverns, grocery stores, a meat locker and a farm in the northern and central Illinois area. In 1995 they moved to Miami and became involved in the real estate business. Beth was a master baker in the Dade County Public School System and she also loved being an Avon "lady". She was a member of the Church of the Resurrection, Lakeland.

Beth is survived by her daughter, Janet L. Ness and a granddaughter, P.J. Stata both of Lakeland; sisters, Violet Kapacinskas of Kewanee, IL and Mary Ann Matthews of St. Paul, MN; a brother, John Gedraitis, Jr. of LaSalle, IL and many dear nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Beth is preceded in death by her husband on March 27, 1991 and one son, John Paul Lapinski on December 31, 1961.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Resurrection on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 1:00pm with Fr. Matthew Mello celebrating. At her request, her remains will be cremated and inurnment will be held in Rockford, IL. Beth will be missed deeply by her granddaughter, P.J. Stata.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823 of to the SPCA of Polk County, 5850 Brannen Rd., S., Lakeland, FL 33813.

Arrangements are being handled by Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes, Southside Chapel.