Betty Jean (nee Kovacs), of Nashville, TN passed away Friday, August 13, 2021 at the age of
86. She was surrounded by loved ones at St. Thomas Hospital West.
Born on October 20, 1934 in Lorain, Ohio, “B.J.” went on to live an exceptional life in every
respect. She was a gifted soprano and organist and performed frequently on stage and television.
She was also a talented sculptor and artist, holding a special regard for traditional Japanese aesthetics.
She excelled in academics and was active in school clubs and activities. She was a majorette and Home Coming Queen.
She also loved the theater and was the lead in the play “Brigadoon,” just to name a few.
At the young age of nineteen, B.J. married Vincent Andrew Dojchak, after he
returned from service in the Korean War. During his deployment, the two exchanged love letters
as she awaited his safe return. The pair both had distinguished careers with Bell Labs,
BellSouth, and AT&T. They lived all over the United States but finally settled in Nashville, TN
where they raised their 2 daughters. Even after his sudden death in 1985, B.J.’s loyalty
persisted throughout her life. She stayed faithful to Vince, always telling us there was no reason
to date, she already had the love of her life.
B.J. was a life-long learner and passed her wisdom, either directly or indirectly, to her family,
friends, and most everyone she encountered. These words do her intellect, wit, and spirit very
little justice. Perhaps her two most evident attributes were her Catholic faith and her utter
selflessness. The seeds of her piety were planted within the community of Saint Ladislaus
Parish in Elyria, where she excelled scholastically, socially, and was later employed for a time.
She loved the Catholic mass, often attending multiple times per day at Saint Henry’s Catholic
Church in Nashville. At home, B.J. prayed fervently, keeping journals of countless names and
innumerable intentions—it is of note that these intentions never concerned herself—and sent
cards for every occasion. She prayed numerous rosaries per day, one for each family member,
and would say additional prayers for anyone she knew was struggling. She also contributed to
an untold number of public and private charities. Her love for family and friends was
unconditional. Never asking for anything yet gave everything. She never complained and was
always cheerful. We all wish to be more like her.
She is survived by her siblings: Patricia Gula (Art Gula) and John Kovacs (Donna Kovacs); her
daughters: Lisa Andrea Dojchak Fox (William Fox) and Laurie Beth Murray (Thomas Murray);
her grandchildren: Taylor Daugherty (Drew Daugherty), Josh Murray, Ashley Murray, Justin Fox,
Ryan Fox and Tyler Fox; and great-grandchild, Hadley Grace Daugherty.
She was preceded in death by her best friend and husband, Vincent Dojchak, in 1985; and her
parents: John Kovacs in 1988 and Elizabeth Kovacs (nee Helli) in 2004.
While her family is heartbroken, they know that she has been reunited with Vince and that they
are together in the light of our Heavenly Father. She is missed and loved, now and always.
Until we meet again!
Saturday, August 21, 2021
2:00 - 5:00 pm (Eastern time)
Harpeth Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Center
Visits: 16
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