November 22, 1928 – March 22, 2025
Betty Lou Lapointe was born November 22, 1928, to Robert and Agnes Clapsaddle. Betty Lou lived in Clarion, Iowa until she moved to Mason City, Iowa, for eighth grade. She graduated from St. Joseph High School, where she was valedictorian of her class. She went on to attend the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minnesota, where she graduated second in her class. She thereafter accepted a job as high school librarian and Spanish teacher in Waverly, Iowa. There, she met Francis Edward Lapointe, and they married in 1950. They started their family and moved to Mason City, Iowa, in 1955. Betty Lou taught English at St. Joseph High School for two years. She later worked with Francis as the office manager for Lapointe Insurance Adjusters from 1969 to 1983.
Betty Lou was a lifelong devoted Catholic. She was also a lifelong devoted member of the Democratic Party. She was an avid reader, having read thousands of books during her lifetime. She played the piano and instilled a love of music and literature in her children. She played 500 with her card club for some 50 years. She enjoyed mall walking, spending time with family and friends, as well as, traveling with her children including several trips to Europe.
Betty Lou was preceded in death by her husband Francis, her parents Agnes and Bob Clapsaddle, her brother Charley Clapsaddle, her nephews David Clapsaddle and Steven Clapsaddle, her son Robert Lapointe, and her grandsons Willy Bracklein and Toumani Dembele.
Betty Lou is survived by nine of her ten children: Joseph Lapointe (Jenifer), Mary Jane Lapointe, Nancy Lapointe (John Dinning), John Lapointe (Julie), Judy Lapointe (Gerhard Kaul), Linda Asche (Dean), Amy Lapointe (Brad Jessop), Tim Lapointe (Sheila), and Tom Lapointe (Valerie). Betty Lou is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Among her many words of wisdom, the family favorite is “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Her family can be comforted by the fact that she is going to heaven where she made clear that she cannot be happy unless they all are there.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Friday, March 28, 2025 at Epiphany Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 5th St SE, Mason City with Rev. David O’Connor, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.
The Rosary will be prayed by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas at 4:30 pm on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City with visitation following from 5:00 pm until 7:00pm. A Scriptural Wake service will begin at 6:30 pm.
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