ELIZABETH "BETSY" BASCOM

1954 - 2025

August 3, 1954 - April 27, 2025 We are heartbroken to inform you that our wonderful wife, loving mother, adoring BB/Baba, sister, aunt, and most incredible friend passed away peacefully, on Sunday, April 27th, with her loving husband, John, and her two adoring children Karen and Michael, by her side. Predeceased by her parents, Dr. Oscar and Joyce Kofman. Survived by her husband of 45 years, John; son, Michael (Rachel); daughter, Karen Wagner (Tim); and grandchildren, Avery Wagner, Evelyn and Arden Bascom. Her sister, Barbara Kofman (Ted Percival); brothers, Jim Kofman (Elske) and Jeffrey Kofman (Michael Levine); niece and nephews, Samantha and Graeme Ash, Josh and Greg Kofman. Betsy lived a life full of love, laughter and adventure. She was a remarkable individual whose intelligence, beauty, and determination shone through in everything she did. She looked back fondly on her time at Branksome Hall and Queen's University. With very young children, she completed an MBA at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, which propelled her into a diverse and accomplished career. Her highlights included driving change as the VP of Product Development at Umbra, the VP of Business Development at BIOTECanada, and later as Founder, President, and CEO of Global Connectworks, where she supported international life sciences companies in corporate development. She often spoke of her most rewarding experience as mentoring for the PEI BioAlliance Emergence program. She loved to do so many things - Betsy was a passionate traveller and a gifted athlete, an avid skier and a proud member of Craigleith Ski Club since 1972. She adored golf, never letting challenges keep her from playing a few holes with John and friends at the Georgian Bay Club. And she wasn't just enthusiastic - she was good: winning numerous longest-drive contests, tournaments, and even achieving the elusive hole-in-one. Betsy wouldn't boast about her accomplishments, but we can! Above everything, Betsy cherished her family and friends. She prioritized the people in her life and savoured every moment together. She particularly treasured "time under the same roof" - at the family cottage on Georgian Bay, the family home at the base of Craigleith or at Silver Creek Farm alongside the Rhind family. Most of all, she simply adored being with her children and grandchildren. Betsy did more than anyone could imagine to spend as much time as possible with her grandchildren. For more than seven years, she fought cancer with extraordinary strength, enduring countless treatments and hospital visits. When standard options ran out, she only fought harder - drawing on her network in biotech and using her relentless determination and research skills to pursue additional treatment options. She even advocated successfully for the costs of emerging treatments to be covered, helping benefit those who will follow. No one else could have done what she did. Special thanks to Dr. Bedard, Dr. Hannon, and Dr. Koch at Princess Margaret Hospital for their excellent care. Donations can be made in Betsy's honour to Princess Margaret Hospital or Branksome Hall. A Chablis Reception celebrating the one-in-a-billion Betsy will be held at the Toronto Hunt Club on Monday, May 5th, at 1:00 p.m.