Bette Koupal, 64

A Church’s Wedding Director for 22 Years

Bette Koupal, a former resident of Pacific Palisades for 32 years, died peacefully in Los Angeles on October 5 from the effects of a brain tumor. She was 64. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 23, 1943, Bette was raised in California in both Santa Monica and Chula Vista. In the early 1960s, she became a flight attendant for United Airlines. She met her husband, Wayne, in 1965 in Playa del Rey. They were married in 1966 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Pacific Palisades. Their first son, Marc, was born in 1969. The following year, they moved to Pacific Palisades, where they lived on Livorno Drive for 32 years. Their second son, Drew, was born in 1971. Bette stopped flying for United after her marriage, and in the early 1970s started working at the Westwood United Methodist Church. She first worked as secretary to a number of ministers, then began a 22-year career as the wedding director for the church. Bette was very active in the schools her boys attended, which included Marquez Elementary, Palisades Village School, Paul Revere Junior High, and Palisades High School. In 2002, the Koupals moved from the Palisades to an apartment in Westwood, until Wayne retired in 2004 from Merrill Lynch after 40 years as a financial advisor. They then moved to a home they had purchased in Lake Arrowhead. In addition to her husband of 41 years, Bette is survived by her sons, Marc and Drew, who both live in the greater Los Angeles area; her brother, Jon Calkins of Malibu; and a sister, Genene McGovern of Brentwood, plus numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 21, at Westwood United Methodist Church, 10497 Wilshire Blvd. Because of construction at the church parking lot, a shuttle service will be available at 10351 Santa Monica Blvd. (the red brick building northeast of the intersection at Beverly Glen). Street parking near the church is very limited. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bette Koupal Mission Fund, c/o the Westwood United Methodist Church (Los Angeles, CA 90024). ‘Bette’s warm spirit was felt by all who knew her,’ said Joan Sather, a friend in the Palisades. ‘Her many friends will always remember her amazing smile and fun-loving attitude.’