Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) Buffalo lost a community giant Wednesday. Amy Betros, cofounder of St Luke's Mission of Mercy died, at the age of 71.
"She welcomed everyone and was a Grandma to all of the missionaries who are in a state of shock," said Mike Billoni, a longtime friend, who joined WBEN to reflect on her passing.
Betros and Norm Paolini founded St. Luke Mission of Mercy in 1994.
"God is amazing," said Billoni. "He called Amy home seven years to the day of the passing of Norm Paolini. In 31 years, they did amazing work of feeding the hungry with up to a thousand free meals a day and housing the homeless."
It was a leap of faith that Betros took when she sold her restaurant to start St. Luke's Mission of Mercy.
Billoni noted that it speaks to the power of prayer.
"She was always carrying her rosary and praying and when things were the toughest she would say God will provide."
He added that Betros' supporters have pledged to carry on her legacy.
"We have Amy and Norm behind us. It will thrive and survive. But we need the public to continue donating as they have over the last 31 years."
Donations to St. Luke's Mission of Mercy can be made HERE.
On a personal note, Billoni said Betros was his spiritual advisor when he was going through depression, stemming from a near fatal bicycle accident 31 years ago that left him with a traumatic brain injury. "She was a key part of my recovery," he told WBEN.
This was Amy Betros' Easter message earlier this month.
A wake for Amy Betros will be held Friday, May 2 from Noon to 7pm at St. Luke's, at 325 Walden Avenue in Buffalo. St Luke's will hold a funeral mass at 10am Saturday.
