Betty Jane Busiek

She was the best teacher I had ever had in secondary school. I regret not having found her on the web to tell her how much I had missed her presence. R.I.P.

It has been more than 20 years since she died but I want to say here thank you, Betty and say just how much I love you. You were my mother's fellow teacher at LS and friend, and you saved my life, giving me a job to do, an escape from my home and your practical witty generous friendship. I laugh as I read of course you got to every continent. I remember you making a new dress every day and marvelling what that meant when I taught HS myself. Remembering you with great love.

I am truly saddened to learn of Ms. Busiek's passing. She was one of my favorite high school teachers when I was a METCO student. I loved going to her class; she brought life to her class. She even welcomed me during the times I didn't have class. After graduating, I occasionally visited her at her home.

'In memory of Betty'...

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies,
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meets in her aspect and her eyes,
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to guady day denies.
-Lord Byron

I was truly saddened when I learned last year (2002)that Betty had died in December of the previous year. I had known Betty since the 1960's when we were both actively involved with the Boston CORE (Congress for Racial Equality). Our friendship remained long after we had both left CORE.

Betty was a wonderful and very caring person, always working to ensure the democratic principals that she believed in were a reality for all.

Another light in my life has gone out, but...

I met Betty in graduate school in the mid 60's. Her zest for life and learning were amazing. She was so caught up in learning more to teach her students("the little beasties" as she affectionately called them). Betty had so many wonderful qualities, but being constantly upbeat and positive about everything really stood out. She liked Marimekko fabrics, and of course CHOCOLATE! We took some cooking classes at Cambridge Center for Adult Education that included Chocolate Orgy and Advanced...

I think my favorite memory of Ms. Busiek (Big B as I used to call her...I was Lil' B) was one spring day of my senior year at L-S outside at Jo's Soup Kitchen Garden. The seedlings she had helped me sprout in her classroom throughout the winter were ready to be planted, but first the beds needed to be fertilized. Not many teachers--or people for that matter--are very willing to shovel manure, especially if they have to transport it in their own car. But there she was in one of her long...

Betty was and always shall be an important influence in my life. She taught me social conscience long before political correctness became a buzz-word. She made me aware of the glorious differences of all the peoples of the world. She taught me to love Dorchester Pottery and by giving me the nickname "Stodge" at a young age she threw down a gauntlet to me to go out and sieze life! Thank you Betty, I love and miss you!
The (un)Stodge

Betty it was a pleasure to travel and room with you on the millennium cruise. It was the trip of a lifetime! I'll never forget it or you. Love, your sister-in-law and fellow traveler. Annie a.k.a "roomie"