Betsy Beckwith MacDonald

With profound love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Betsy Beckwith MacDonald, who passed away peacefully on 11/29/25. Formerly of Niantic and Bristol, CT as well as Surry and Washington, NH, Betsy moved to Port Charlotte, FL in 1999 with her husband of 63 years, Bob MacDonald.

Betsy graduated from Windham High School in Willimantic, CT, the W.W. Backus Hospital School of Nursing in Norwich, CT, and later earned her B.S. degree from Central Connecticut State College. She embraced her calling as a Registered Nurse with both skill and heart, ultimately retiring from the Keene, NH School District, where she taught Health Occupations and nurtured the well-being of students as both a Middle and High School Nurse.

Betsy's devotion to service extended far beyond her professional life. She volunteered as a history nurse, taught First Aid and CPR for the American Red Cross, and served as past President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Niantic Fire Department. She was also one of the original participants in the renowned Nurses' Health Study, in association with Harvard Medical School, a testament to her lifelong commitment to advancing public health.

In later years, she continued to give generously of her time and talents: volunteering at the Myakka River School in Englewood, FL; serving as a nurse and pharmacy dispenser at the Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic; mentoring youth through the Take Stock in Children program; and answering the call as a member of the Red Cross Disaster Assistance Team. As a Communicant of Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, she also found fellowship and joy among the Crafty Ladies Sewing Group.

Betsy is survived by her son Paul MacDonald of Charleston, SC; her daughter Beth, and her husband Paul LeClaire of Punta Gorda, FL, as well as four cherished Grandchildren: Ally (MacDonald) Sampson and her husband Josh; Parker LeClaire and his wife Shannon; Brittany (MacDonald) Rowley and her husband Zach; and Jacqueline LeClaire. She was also a Great Grandmother to 5 beautiful children. Her magnificent husband Bob passed away in May of 2024. Betsy also leaves behind her brother Peter Beckwith of Manchester, CT; and her treasured Sister-in-Law, Bonnie Beckwith of North Richland Hills, TX. She was also predeceased by her younger brother Craig Beckwith of North Richland Hills, TX, and her Grandson Bradford LeClaire, who all welcomed her home with open arms.

Betsy found tremendous joy in serving her community and neighborhood. She was happiest when she was sewing and spending time with her family and friends. She loved playing cards, venturing out on the boat, and her evening cocktail.
A celebration of Betsy's life will be held at Gulf Cove United Methodist Church in Port Charlotte, FL (1100 S. McCall Rd) on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11 am. Following the service, a gathering will be held at Tree Tops Clubhouse in Port Charlotte, where family and friends can join together to honor a woman whose compassion, spunk and kindness enriched all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betsy's memory to:
Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, 21297 Olean Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
or
Charlotte Local Education Foundation, 18150 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 (supporting the Take Stock in Children program).