Mary Elisabeth Morrison, “Betsy,” passed away peacefully on May 7, 2023, in Colorado Springs. Born on September 14, 1946, in Madison, WI, Betsy loved dwelling most of her life in New Mexico and learned to tolerate Colorado Springs. Her creative, kind, skilled, imaginative, and amazing ancestors preceded her in death. Most recently, her Grandma Nana exemplified balance with her Finnish ways. Betsy’s parents, Pat and Don, lived with grace, humor, loving-kindness, intelligence, and hearts for service. Betsy followed in their wake and added a humanistic Epicurean Princess flair to boot. She championed women’s reproductive health in all her endeavors, She read books of all genres voraciously and edited the works of many friends and relatives.
Betsy loved her descendants, family, and cohorts immeasurably. She found her diabolical sister Patty and mischievous brother John to be hilarious and good company. No one could be as smart, clever, or good-looking as she thought her son Frog was. Betsy admired her daughter-in-law Dawn for her loving kindness and attentiveness to her kids and family. She felt lucky that her grandson Shean turned out to be so well adjusted and successful. Maybe it was because he was so lucky to have met his wonderful wife, Jami. Betsy’s favorite drawings were drawn by her resilient, smart, and jaw droppingly gorgeous granddaughter Giovanna. Her jaw droppingly gorgeous, smart, and resilient grandson Richard also lit her sparks. Betsy felt truly blessed to visit with her epic great grandson Orion who reminded her of her two favorite people- her dad and son.
Betsy will be sorely missed as a friend by her many acquaintances. Betsy was a great hostess because she bought and arranged wonderful cheese and cracker arrangements served with perfect musical accompaniment and adult beverages all while sharing humorous stories. She was a great listener.
There will be no funeral. Betsy’s remains will be composted, and the compost will be ready for dispersal in the fall. Please reach out to Frog if you’d like any compost to use. She’d love to be part tree or flower, now that she dwells everywhere and nowhere.
A celebration of Betsy’s life will occur in Colorado Springs in the late summer. Many of her fine socks, shoes, shirts, artwork, little Buddhas, babies, and aliens will be given away. Great cheese, crackers, and crudité at the least will be served with elegant floral arrangements. Betsy beamed when she heard about this party in her honor. Everyone is invited. Details will follow.
Betsy would wish that donations be made to any pro-choice organization. She felt that all women have a right to choose whether or not to bring a child into the world. Therefore, Planned Parenthood is a great organization to support. Likewise, Betsy felt strongly that people with debilitating terminal illnesses have a right to choose to die with dignity and little pain. Therefore, organizations like Compassion and Choice are good to support.
If any of you read this and feel any remorse or guilt regarding Betsy for any reason whatsoever, such as not calling or visiting her: KNOCK IT OFF! That is a perfectly good waste of remorse, as she would say. She left the world without harboring any ill will towards anyone, and she’d appreciate it if you live that way, too.
Betsy and I were fast friends when she joined the balance class at Fifty ‘n Fit at least ten years ago.
I loved her kind yet wicked sense of humor, her unlimited imagination and creativity, her amazing intelligence…. most of all, she was a great friend. She could tell the truth but be kind at the same time.
I miss her.
With 5 members of my own family over 3 generations afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease, I am profoundly aware of what that disease can do to a formerly healthy, strong, bright, vibrant, witty person. While I sadly have missed the “Real” Betsy for the last 3 or 4 years, I am relieved that she has now attained peace. I will continue to miss her.
I’m going to miss Betsy, I worked with here on here Techy needs for many years,. She was a kind, always smiling lady that I always enjoyed visiting with. She loved her family and talked about them often. My condolences to Frog and all of the family.
I met and worked with Betsy from 1985 – 1990 at Womens Healthcare on Dale Street. She was a teacher, mentor, sister, and friend that I at times worshipped. Since we worked at an abortion/ gyn. clinic we all had the same mission which was caring, supporting, teaching reproductive healthcare to all who desired those services. I really loved Betsy because she was so honest and outspoken. I loved her funny quirks, stories, clothes, laughs, good heart, smartnesses, soft, angry, and hippie
Sisterhood. It was a joy to know her and become friends. I think the song “Bridge Over Troubled Water” would be a song to play at her celebration. Betsy I will look for you in trees, water, swaying meadows, the sun and the moon. Nature looks good on you! Peace . Love, Leslie
Leslie, I echo much of what you expressed about Betsy.
I just learned of Betsy’s passing. My husband has Parkinson’s and both regularly attended Joanie’s dance class in Albuquerque twice a month for years. I am sorry to hear that she is no longer with us. The end of a life with Parkinson’s is bittersweet–sorrow in our loss but relief in knowing the suffering is over. Sadly our dear Joanie who led the class passed away suddenly on May 18. We will miss them both and hope you have many fond memories of Betsy.
Pat, Betsy often mentioned you and your husband and Joanie’s fantastic, fun class!
Pat, Betsy often mentioned you and your husband and Joanie’s fantastic, fun class!