Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Aurelia Lupien Lucyszyn
MEDINA – Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Aurelia Lupien Lucyszyn, age 75, of Medina, NY passed away on January 22, 2024 at Unity Hospital after a short illness, with her children at her bedside.
Born on August 25, 1948 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, she was the cherished daughter of the late Vincent J. Lupien and Ruth J. Wagner, and beloved wife of Andrew Lucyszyn for an incredible 52 years.
She attended St. Francis University earning a B.S in Biology and at one time was interested in pursuing a vocation as a Catholic nun. She earned her Ph.D. in Biology, with a concentration in Microbiology from Saint Bonaventure University where her research focused on the identification and characterization of autochthonous bacteria and where she met her future husband Andrew. She would become a microbiology professor for Canadian dental students at Erie Community College North Campus, pre-med students at Canisius University, and physical therapy students at Daemen University, where she was recognized as Instructor of the Year.
Beginning in 1990, she taught Microbiology and Anatomy and Physiology to Vet Tech students and was faculty advisor at the former Medaille University in Buffalo, retiring as Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Sciences. She led the Department in the formation of the Biology major and assisted in the development of courses and curricula for other proposed majors. She served as a reviewer of textbooks and educational materials for various publishers, the American Society for Microbiology, and ACT national testing program. Dr. Lucyszyn was a member of the American Society of Microbiologists and WNY Society of Microbiology. She enjoyed music, learned the guitar at an early age, and also played the organ and piano. A devout Catholic, she served as a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Lyndonville, NY where she was active in Catholic Charities, Pro-Life activities, and the Prayer Shawl Ministry making rosaries for distribution in underserved countries.
Although afflicted with Parkinson’s disease she was a prolific quilt maker, distributing quilts to family members and charitable organizations for fund raising. Co-owner of Tow Path Collectibles at Modern Mercantile, she sold custom jewelry art, handmade sewing and crafts items. She enjoyed growing African Violets and succulents, collecting dolls, girls’ toys and books. Beth was an avid estate, yard sale and antique mall shopper.
An amateur genealogist, she enjoyed tracing her family history. She was a member of the Orleans, Niagara and Genesee County genealogical societies and the Medina Historical Society. Proud of her French-Canadian heritage, she learned through research she was related to John Cena, Celine Dion, Madonna, Justin Bieber and a number of Canadian sports personalities. She was extremely proud of her two children and five grandchildren, following and supporting their careers and educational accomplishments closely.
Dr. Lucyszyn is survived by her husband, Andrew Lucyszyn, her children Kathryn Hardner (Francis Bowman), Andrew V. (Kelly) Lucyszyn and grandchildren Jordyn Smith (Evan Broomfield), Ian Smith, Vincent and Bronwyn Lucyszyn, Meagan Hardner; brother Dr. Alfred (Dr. Donna) Lupien, brother in-law Donald (Cheryl) Lucyszyn, son-in-law Sean Hardner and many cousins. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her niece Mary Lucyszyn and brother-in-law Stanley J. Lucyszyn.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Trinity/St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St. Medina, NY 14103 on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private for the family. Donations may be made to Meals on Wheels c/o Office of the Aging… , 14016 Rt 31 W, Albion, NY 14411 or the Medina Emergency Food Pantry, 1355 West Ave. Medina, NY 14103. Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. Please light a candle or share a memory of Beth at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com
