Betsy Gammons

Melrose, MA - Betsy Parker Gammons of Concord, NH passed away peacefully, from Alzheimer's, on Tuesday March 4, 2025. A ray of sunshine, love, and endless laughter, Betsy brought life and color to everything she touched. A vibrant and creative artist, she made beautiful paintings, stunning photographs, and innovative art education projects. As an avid adventurer, she traveled near and far, photographing and recording the beauty she so easily found in our world. Betsy adored animals including her childhood horse Champ, her cats, and every living critter she came across. Her element was the outdoors, and she loved to kayak, ski, hike, swim, and bike. She was the very embodiment of "Joie de vivre".

Betsy was born in Springfield, MA on June 30, 1953, to Barbara and Homer Gammons. She graduated from Westfield High School in 1971 and graduated from UMass Amherst in 1975 with a BS in PE. She received her MA in Art Education from RISD in Providence, RI in 1978. Betsy spent 35 years as an Art Educator at Rundlett Middle School in Concord, NH. She also taught for two years in Oberursel, Germany and two years in Budapest, Hungary at American International Schools. In retirement she taught at the Currier Museum of Art in the after school and summer programs.

Betsy is survived by sister Holly Trumbull of Winsted, CT, twin sister Wendy Gammons of Melrose, MA, brother Chris Gammons and sister-in-law Colleen Elliott of Butte Montana, and 6 nieces (Betsy T, Robin G, Maggie G) and nephews (Jon T, Tim T, Tom G) and four cousins (Judy B, Sooze H, Jeff G, Phil G, Robin G). Betsy was endlessly kind and loving and will be dearly missed by her family and the many friends who she so selflessly supported with inspirational notes, cards, art, and humor. She loved with all her heart, and we will miss her dearly.The family plans to have a private celebration of life this summer. Donations would be greatly appreciated and may be sent to the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH https://currier.org/support/ or the Alzheimer's Association https://donorservices.alz.org/page/FUNZRKELQMQ?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google_SL&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAlbW-BhCMARIsADnwasp6ZBe54oQKU8sGCgq4_sfXwP5emzPKyJ3DglZNf1aCOTIUTTO1GU8aAtj1EALw_wcB, in memory of Betsy.

Dear, as thou wert, and justly so

We will not weep for thee.

One thought shall stop the parting tear,

It is that thou art free.

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Published by Concord Monitor on Mar. 12, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Betsy Gammons

12 Entries

Valerie (Danek) Maslauskas

Planted Trees

Valerie (Danek) Maslauskas

June 30, 2025

Wendy, I am so sorry for your loss. Just saw a spreadsheet for an upcoming class reunion and saw Betsy´s name!!!!!! I was so surprised! You two were one of my closest friends in high school. We had so much fun. I´ll always remember those great times..... parties, practices, sports and of course laughs. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Susan (Lea) Bussiere

March 21, 2025

In 1982 & 1983, Ms. Gammon's was my first basketball and field hockey coach ever, as well as my art teacher. She was so full of energy and a love of life that contaigious to all. Even in those stern coaching moments, she was always kind and smiling. Adolescent time in "Junior High" was not without it's drama, but we could be rest assured that Ms. Gammons would always be there for us. I fondly remember spending a lot of extra time in her classroom, "in the 400 wing" of Rundlett with my bestie's Jen and Mouse, helping her display art projects or just spending our lunchtime with her hanging out and talking. I'm sure I speak for them, as well as the many other kids whose lives she touched, that she was one of the best, leaving lasting memories. Ms Gammons, with the absolute best, most infectious smile I have ever seen, still has a special place in my heart.
Thank you Ms. Gammons.

Kuffer

March 19, 2025

When a picture evokes memories which are over forty years lost...

In the early 1980's she was my next door neighbor on School Street. One afternoon she asked my mom to come into our yard so she could paint our rose bush. She later hung that picture in her Rundlett classroom where it remained for years. Occasionally we played frisbee- Which she was exceptionally good at. Thank you Ms. Gammons for being such a cool person. I hope you find many pretty things to paint and frisbiees to throw on your next journey.

Phoebe Ann Neiswenter

March 18, 2025

I was both shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of Betsy's passing. I knew her as a dear friend, a gifted teacher/artist and a truly delightful, happy woman to know and love. She had a seemingly unending enthusiasm and joy about her. I was extremely fortunate that we were colleagues for a long while. Please know you will all be in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve and learn to heal from this considerable loss.
Love, Phoebe Ann, Retired Concord Art Coordinator

Gail Laker-Phelps

March 18, 2025

Betsy was a long time art colleague in Concord, NH. She was vivacious, quick to smile and laugh, was immensely talented and one of the most positive beings ever! I am honored to have worked with her for so many years!

Dayna Talbot

March 12, 2025

Betsy was a bright light, full of passion for the arts and will be missed!

Tom Burrill

March 12, 2025

Betsy always brightened my day as from time to time I would support a student in her art class. We always had spirited conversations and I will never forget her smile. I just learned that she was also a skier and can just imagine the conversations we could have had as I grew up on Cannon Mt skiing and racing with the Franconia Ski Club in during the 1960s.

Maureen Richards

March 12, 2025

Betsy was such a ray of brightness. Always enjoyed having quick chats with her & hearing the fun things she was doing. Thank you Betsy for being a gift in so many lives.

Sue Erickson

March 12, 2025

My heart is broken. I knew Betsy as a friend, roommate on School St in Concord and colleague at Rundlett since we both started there so many years ago.
I have wonderful memories which I will always hold dear to my heart.
I am so sorry for your loss! Lots of hugs and love to all of you, Sue Erickson (music teacher)

Jemi Broussard

March 12, 2025

Betsy was such a delight and especially encouraged my daughters at RMS, one of whom is now a home school co-op Art Teacher for Catholic School House. I also enjoyed seeing her often at Red River Theatres during the 11 1/2 years I worked there, and she would either be hanging student work in March or attending films herself. She is dearly missed.

Shana W

March 12, 2025

I had Ms. Gammons in middle school for art. She was such a nice teacher back in the day and always smiling. I remember her kind nature and passion for art. May she rest in peace.

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