ELIZABETH S. SIEVERS

SIEVERS ELIZABETH S. SIEVERS "Betsy" (Age 53) Elizabeth Ann (Slaymaker) Sievers of Gaithersburg, Maryland passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, one week shy of her 54th birthday. Betsy was born in Rochester, New York. Betsy was vivacious, patient, kind, and caring, and loved teaching kids and adults alike about nature and yoga. She lived life to the fullest, even under the adversity of serious health issues. She is sadly missed by the many whose lives she touched. Betsy graduated from Eastridge High School and later earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree from Wittenberg University in geography. Her rich and varied career ranged from cartography, to technical writing, park naturalist, and yoga instructor. Aside from her family, her love of nature was her greatest passion. As a long-time Park Naturalist at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale, VA, she shared her talents organizing and presenting nature programs to all ages. Much of her work involved organizing and overseeing nature lessons including children's summer camp activities. She especially liked observing wildlife, enjoying hikes, camping, nature walks, birding and whale watching trips, and as a volunteer with the Audubon Naturalist Society. In later years, following kidney failure and a transplant, Betsy immersed herself in the practice of Korean originated Dahn Yoga and advanced to the "Master" level. She owned and operated the Brain and Body Center Yoga Studio in Crystal City, VA. Betsy's vision entailed helping others experience the same physical, emotional, and spiritual connectedness she felt. She cherished her brief sojourn to South Korea made in July 2010 with fellow Dahn practitioners. Betsy was predeceased in 1998 by her father Frank H. Slaymaker, and is survived by her husband John (Doug) Sievers and daughter Kathleen of Gaithersburg, MD; mother Jean Slaymaker of Rochester, NY; sister Nancy Slaymaker Cook of Akron, OH, niece Carrie and nephew Mark of Akron, brothers Philip Slaymaker of Boulder, CO and Frank Slaymaker of San Diego, CA; sister Jan and husband Dan Mahon, nephew Marsh and niece Alana of Crozet, VA and sister in law Suzanne Sievers of Las Cruces, NM. Betsy is survived by many loving cousins and friends. Following her cremation, her ashes will be interred at Parklawn Cemetery in Rockville, MD. A Celebration of Betsy's life will be held on Saturday August 25, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Unity Church of Gaithersburg located at 111 Central Ave., Rev. Jennifer Holder will be officiating. A brief reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to: The Humane Society of the United States Dept. MEMIT9 2100 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20037Washington, DC 20037