Amy M. “Amelia” Betros
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04/30/2025
Beloved daughter of the late Pete and Nagibe Betros. Devoted sister of Rosemary (the late Robert) Lunghino. Cherished aunt of Peter (Amber) Lunghino. Loving cousin of Hind (Magdy) Boctor. Survived by many loving cousins in Buffalo and Lebanon. Also survived by her loving family at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy. Amy attended Bishop McMahon High School. She worked at Liberty National Bank.
Together with the late Norm Paolini, Amy founded St. Luke’s on August 1, 1994. For more than 31 years, their unwavering devotion brought God’s mercy to life in Buffalo’s East Side. Under their leadership, St. Luke’s became a haven for the most vulnerable in our community — serving over 1,000 meals daily, clothing those in need through the Mission Mall, sheltering single mothers and children at Gospa Village, and preparing to open Build Promise, a transformative new facility for homeless men, later this year.
Amy, 71, was no stranger to hard work or heartfelt service. Before answering the call to ministry, she ran the much-loved Amy’s Place restaurant in Buffalo. It was there that she first began feeding not only stomachs but spirits — an act of mercy that would define the rest of her life.
“While the vision for St. Luke’s was given to Amy and Norm some 31 years ago, they surrounded themselves with many missionaries and thousands of volunteers, donors, and friends — all of whom now share that vision and are dedicated to bringing it to fruition,” said Dennis Gilhooley, Lay Missionary at St. Luke’s.
“The spirit that animated Amy and Norm — expressed in the mission of St. Luke’s — remains firmly in place and will continue to guide our every decision and action. The greatest way to honor her memory is to carry forward her work: to love, to serve and to show mercy,” added Mr. Gilhooley.
Family and friends may visit on Friday May 2, 2025 from 12noon-7pm at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy 325 Walden Ave. Buffalo, NY 14211. A visitation will take place at St. Luke’s on Saturday May 3, 2025 from 9am-10am where a Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be celebrated at 10am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy P.O Box 448, Buffalo 14215. Online condolences may be placed at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com
“Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.”
The Lebanese Maronite Catholic community is proud of this Saint of Buffalo.
May the perpetual Light of God shine on Amy’s soul, and the soul’s of all the faithful departed. Amen
Amy; your hard work, kindness & unconditional love changed many lives. You will be missed. The hope you gave to struggling others is invaluable … thank you Amy.
I am a retired doctor. Years ago I had a very sick patient, who needed hospitalization. She wouldn’t go, because there was no one to care for her granddaughter. I called Amy, who immediately came to my office and picked up the child, and cared for her til my patient could be discharged. Amy truly did God’s work.
Dear Family of Amy Betros:
thank you for giving her to the entire WNY and Buffalo community. She was a beautiful kind soul . She will be sorely missed
God Bless
Frank and Martha Barry
North Tonawanda, NY
I never actually met Amy Betros but I support St Luke’s Mission on a regular basis and am saddened by the loss of such a devoted individual for the care and support for the less fortunate of which there are many in Buffalo, NY. I hope and pray that her good work is continued on through those who have assisted her throughout the years. My condolences to her family and friends and may her legacy live on.
Amy, You did many things for me in my younger years that helped mold and shape my life to be the woman I am today. Thank you for always showing me the perfect example of what unconditional love and forgiveness is. Thank you, Amy. I love you.
My Dad – Frank Lisiecki knew her well from when she helped him and his crews work on several properties she owned near Amy’s Place. She was a caring and giving person well before she and Mr. Paolini founded St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy. Now they are both in Heaven and still helping others in ways none could ever imagine.
Met her at a Prolife function in Buffalo years ago. She talked about her work. She came accross as a Saint even then.
Amy was such an inspiration to me. She guided my spiritual life for many years. Our retreats over the last 30 years will be remembered by all whose lives she touched. My Lebanese sister in Christ my heart aches just thinking of never getting an earthly hug from you again. God bless all who grieve your loss. May you rest in peace. Love Maureen
Rosi, Kathy & I want to wish you our condolences for the loss of your sister Amy. The tribute to her was wonderful and her impact on our community was second to none. While her passing is sad, her legacy will live on forever.