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Betsy Neisner Obituary
Leverett,, MA — Betsy Garson Neisner, 68, was born to Melvin B. and Ellen (Garson) Neisner in Rochester, NY on 10/15/53. She died August 13, 2022 with CDH-VNA Hospice at home, and also being cared for by her partner of 36 years Mary Barnett, their daughter Melaina Neisner, and a village of dear friends.
Betsy graduated from Smith College in 1975, then worked several years in government policy analysis before attending Northeastern University Law School in Boston. Betsy loved law and strived to bring the principles of fairness and justice to those she represented before her 25 year career was interrupted by an advanced stage ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2002.
Betsy was known to many different communities throughout her life as a thoughtful, honorable, quietly intelligent woman (who never gloated about attaining 'genius' status with the NYTimes Spelling Bee by 7am) with a warm smile, twinkle in her eye, generous heart, and always a helpful 'can-do' spirit yet comforting presence. She was the executive director of Cancer Connection in Northampton for 8 years after retiring from practicing law due to continued challenges with her health, but continued to be an experienced counsel and advocate for ovarian cancer awareness and research even after retiring from CC in 2016.
Betsy is survived by her wife Mary Barnett in Leverett, their daughter Melaina and son Charles in Western Mass, her 96 year old mother in Rochester, sister Meleny and nephews Eric and Daniel and their father Randy Rehr, sister-in-law Peggy Neisner, niece Noellen (Dave) and nephew Bauer Neisner.
Betsy was predeceased by her father, and brothers Andrew H. and Melvin B. Neisner,Jr.
For detailed information about Betsy's life and career, Celebration of Life, and donations in her memory go to: [email protected]
Betsy's celebration of life will be held on Oct. 30th, at Look Park's Garden House.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Betsy Neisner
6 Entries
Bell Family and Nomads
October 27, 2022
Dear Mary, Melaina and Charles. Our hearts are sore with you all. What a privilege it was to spend many hours next to the field hockey fields/courts with you all. Much love Dave, Bev, and Brad
Janna
October 1, 2022
Betsy you were always so kind! You and Mary have done an amazing job with Melaina & Charles!
To Melaina & Charlie - The Jarvis family sends condolences
Lesley Krause
September 12, 2022
Betsy has been my friend since kindergarten. I am blessed to have known her all these years. To me, she represented love in all its forms. Love of her family, love of friends, love for those who could use her help, just a basic love of humanity. She was always there to lend a helping hand. She was so intelligent, yet never made you feel less so. Betsy was a fighter, that's for sure. She had a memory like an elephant!
I will miss Betsy dearly.
Maxine Schmidt
September 12, 2022
Betsy was a beloved and treasured friend. She remains an example for me. Faced with a difficult problem, I think "What would Betsy do?"
Mark I. Berson
September 10, 2022
I realize nothing I say will do justice to Betsy. She was my professional colleague who become my dear friend. She simply was Just Joy and a Women of Valor.
Susan Maguire
September 10, 2022
I´m so sorry to hear about Betsy´s passing. She was an extraordinary person. Mary, I´m so sorry for your loss.
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