Elizabeth "Betsy" Jane Maffei

Elizabeth Jane Maffei
"Betsy"
January 17, 1943 - March 27, 2026

Elizabeth Jane Maffei — known to all as Betsy — passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at Riddle Hospital in Media, Pennsylvania. A devoted mother, grandmother, nurse, and lifelong animal lover, she spent 83 years caring for everyone and everything around her.
Betsy was born Elizabeth Jane Courtney on January 17, 1943, in Chester, Pennsylvania, to James M. Courtney and Helen V. Courtney (née Charles). She grew up alongside her two sisters, Patsy Meredith and Toni Clegg, who have also passed on. In her youth, Betsy was a proud Sunbeam Girl — an early chapter in a life defined by service and community.
Betsy built a remarkable career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, serving at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Mirmont Treatment Center before going on to work as a home health aide — more than 50 years of devoted service to her patients, in whatever form they needed her most.
Betsy dreamed all her life of owning horses. When Hurricane Katrina struck, she traveled to New Orleans to help care for horses in the storm's aftermath. A feat she was very proud of.
Betsy is survived by her children: Mark Courtney (Lorraine), Shawn Maffei (Melissa), Malinda Johnson (Susan), and Matthew Maffei; and by four cherished grandsons: Nicholas Maffei, Andrew Johnson, James Johnson, and Noah Courtney; her devoted caregiver, Aaron Hackendorn; and her nephews and niece, to whom she was a cherished aunt.
Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, James M. Courtney and Helen V. Courtney (née Charles); and her sisters, Patsy Meredith and Toni Clegg.

In a final act of generosity, Betsy donated her body to science — giving to others even in death.
There will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Betsy's memory to one of the following horse sanctuaries in Pennsylvania, each of which would have meant the world to her: Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines (Pottstown), Furvivors Wonderland (Chester County), or Horse Angels Rescue (West Chester).