"Betsy" (Karen Elizabeth) Cain Nelson

August 12, 1957 - November 10, 2020

"Betsy" (Karen Elizabeth) Cain Nelson passed away on Tuesday, November 10th surrounded by her family and loved ones. She defied the odds and fought a brave five-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was the seventh of ten children born in Burlington to Francis and Mary Jane Cain. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Ted Nelson Jr., her four children: Sam (Krystal), Sarah (Michael), Melinda (Joseph), and Karen (Joshua), her two grandchildren (Sadie and baby Squillace), her mother, her siblings and their spouses: Michael (Joanne), Bill (Marilee), Carolyn (Thomas) Breiner, Thom (Clarissa), Martha (Byron), Patty (Michael) Haynes, Susan (Bill) O'Brien, Barbara (Glen) Cousins, and Brian (Lilli), and many cousins, nieces, nephews and second cousins. Betsy is pre-deceased by her dad (Francis J. Cain) and special aunt (Sister Mary Virginia Cain, RMS).

At the heart of Betsy's life was her family and a passionate dedication to love, kindness, safety, and generosity. It started in her youth with Betsy growing up in a large Irish catholic family and showing a strong penchant for scholastic and athletic activities at Rice Memorial High School (Class of '75). She then earned a degree in English from Trinity College in Burlington. Betsy's epic love story began when she went on a blind date and continued with a loving marriage to Ted. They were married on Nov 7th, 1981 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington and had 39 fun, loving, adventurous, and joyful years together. During that time, Betsy brought into the world and together with Ted raised four children: Sam, Sarah and Melinda (identical twins) and Karen. Her love, generosity, and kindness echoes through she and Ted's children with their successful lives and partnerships. Her dedication to people and her community was exemplified by her history of teaching, including her own preschool ("Happy Campers"), caregiving, including time spent as a certified EMT (Bethel/Randolph Rescue Squad) and as a skin cancer and lung research technician at the University of Vermont. She was an advocate with impactful work to increase awareness in cancer, domestic violence, gun safety, and reducing pediatric injury. In recent times, Betsy was most proud of her certification as a Tai Chi instructor and frequently offered free Tai Chi classes for Vermont's aging population. She was truly the embodiment of kindness, selflessness, intelligence, love, and bravery. Her absence will be constantly felt by all who she touched.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church, Winooski, Vermont on Saturday, November 14th at 12:00pm. There will be a celebration of Betsy's life held at a later date in a socially responsible manner. The family would like to thank the Oncology and Home Health and Hospice teams at the University of Vermont Health Network, and at Dana Farber Cancer Center (Boston, MA). In lieu of flowers, donations in Betsy's memory may be made to the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or any other noble cause of choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Burlington Free Press from Nov. 11 to Nov. 13, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Betsy (Karen Elizabeth) Nelson

21 Entries

Mary Munson Shaul

November 5, 2023

I have a wonderful memory of Betsy. When I was in 7th grade I had to have my appendix out and for some reason my parents couldn´t be there before my surgery. Betsy came and sat by my bed and read to me. I had been scared, but Betsy´s lovely voice calmed me. She stayed until I was taken to surgery. I so appreciated the gift of her time she gave to me.

Mary Munson Shaul

November 5, 2022

I don´t think I have the right words to convey how much I´m sure Betsy is missed by her family and friends. In the short time we lived next door to the Cain family, I remember Betsy as always being so cheerful with a smile on her face. May the many memories of Betsy bring peace and comfort to all that knew and loved her.

Jane McLAUGHLIN

November 27, 2020

To Ted and your Family and all of the Cains,
I was saddened to hear of Betsy's passing. Whenever I was at your house when we were kids, Betsy always was the bright, smiling, funny one! She was always so sweet when we ran into one another, and she sure was a bright light! My heart goes out to you all, and am sending prayers and thoughts your way.
Jane McLaughlin

Lou and Katie Shultz

November 19, 2020

Beautiful obituary. The loving description certainly was spot on! Her eyes just sparkled when she was teasing, which was often, and then everyone had to laugh when she started - and what a wonderful laugh. I am smiling in memory of all the times we enjoyed that part of her and the special relationship she had with Ted - especially how she could egg him on.
Our thoughts and fond memories are with her family and loved ones as they go through this difficult transition. All our love to you!

Cora Conly

November 17, 2020

Ted and family. I was so very, very sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to all of your family. I know how much she was loved. Prayers are with you.

Jim Hartnett and Family

November 15, 2020

Just learning of Betsy passing today 11/15.So sorry our family was not there for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Jim,Shiela, and the entire Hartnett family.

Cindy Little

November 15, 2020

I loved Betsy like she was the sister I never had. I will continue to miss her every day. She loved her family and friends beyond words. She positively affected our world and left it a better place. Rest In Peace! ❤Cindy

Moon Mullen

November 14, 2020

Rest in peace, Betsy and prayers for the entire Cain family - good people all.

Bob & Julie (Cross) Mullen

Laurie Colmery

November 13, 2020

Her obituary is a beautiful tribute to Betsy. I am inspired by all that she accomplished in her life; raising a family of 4, her career at UVM and teaching Tai Chi while battling cancer - we are heartbroken that her life ended too soon. Betsy was certainly an embodiment of the loving, generous and positive Cain spirit that made her family and community thrive. We are the cousins who are the same age and spent time together at Cain family gatherings. While I was extremely shy as a young girl, Betsy was outspoken and full of spunk and I loved being around her. My husband, Joe, and I send our deepest condolences to Ted and family, Aunt Jane and the Cain families.

With love,

Laurie Colmery

Greg and Dale Brown

November 13, 2020

So sad to here of Betsy passing. We so enjoyed knowing Betsy from her Tai Chi classes. We never failed to have a few laughs and a good time. God bless you all.

Paulette LaFond

November 13, 2020

Ted & Family - I am so sorry to read of the passing of Betsy. I will miss her smile, her hugs and that special way of she had of making you feel she truly cared. She was one strong lady and I know the rock of your family. Please know her positive attitude and love was felt by all around her. I, too shall miss that beautiful smile and welcoming wave. Rest in peace, Bets!

Bob Desrosiers

November 12, 2020

I’m so sorry to hear of Betsy’s passing. A great person from a great family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jeff Turner

November 12, 2020

Ted and Family,
So saddened to hear of Betsy's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

Jeff & Lori

Christine Wynne

Planted Trees

Joe Farnham

November 12, 2020

Heartfelt condolences to the Nelson and Cain clans. Betsy and all of you are in my prayers. Savor the wonderful memories.

Evelyn Bissonnette

November 12, 2020

I did not know Betsy well, I was fortunate enough to be able to learn Tai Chi from her. She had a wonderfully kind way of teaching that made her class a joy. I am so sorry for your loss.

BettyJean Bogue

November 12, 2020

Ted and family,
I am sorry for your loss. Betsy was an extraordinary woman. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Campbell

November 11, 2020

Dear Ted, Melinda, Sarah, Karen, Sam and family,
I was so sad to hear today of Betsy’s death. Her amazing gift for life and her devotion to all of you was such a wonderful thing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.

Linda Ready

November 11, 2020

Mary Jane, Ted and the Cain Family,
I was saddened to read of Betsy’s death today.
Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you journey through the loss of your wonderful daughter, wife, mother, sibling, relative and friend.
A life well lived and loved.

Neil and Sue Abair

November 11, 2020

Mary Jane, Carolyn and families,

We are so very sorry for your loss. Betsy always had a smile that made you feel special. Such a kind and sweet young woman. God bless and always remember the love she gave you. God bless.

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