Katherine Gould

NEWBURYPORT — Katherine "Bettina" (Hepburn) Gould, 97, of Newburyport, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 8, 2008 at Sea View Retreat in Rowley. She was the wife of the late Jason Gould, who died in 1980.

Born in Picton, Ontario, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Kathleen (Johnson) Hepburn.

Bettina attended the Parsons School of Interior Design in New York. She expanded her interior design talent by building doll houses, doll furniture, and miniatures. Her work was featured in the catalog of the Enchanted Doll House, a toy store in Manchester, Vt.

She is survived by her brother, Rickart Hepburn and wife Helen of Oakville, Ontario; two daughters, Debora Petersen and husband Angelino Cortez of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Jill Tierney and husband David of Newburyport; six grandchildren, Gillian Shea and husband George of Kittery, Maine, Colin Tierney of Brooklyn, N.Y., Darren Tierney of Newburyport, Jenny Petersen of Switzerland, Erik Petersen and wife Jenny of Switzerland, and Phil Petersen of Northampton; and three great-grandchildren.

Bettina was a much loved, vivacious, fun-filled person who had many friends and was an inspiration to those who had the good fortune of knowing her. She was self-described as a "late bloomer" who had the courage to try many new things late in her life such as taking her first ride on a Harley Davidson at the age of 93. She loved theatre and played the part of a dead person in Our Town (she was critiqued as playing the part too well). She loved music. Being a Dixieland jazz enthusiast, Bettina was always open to a jam session.

She was active and involved in many aspects of Newburyport community life. Bettina volunteered at the Anna Jacques Hospital, working in the physical therapy department and in the gift shop. She helped out in many Yankee Homecoming events. At the age of 80 she began yoga practice at the Yoga Center of Newburyport. Bettina supported the Newburyport Choral Society—and was a one-time guest conductor. On her 90th birthday she was honored by former mayor Lisa Mead and was awarded a proclamation signed by Senator John Kerry.

ARRANGEMENTS: By request of the family, there will be no visiting hours. Arrangements are by Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green St., Newburyport. A memorial tribute and celebration of Bettina's life is being planned for later this year in the spring. Donations may be made to the Hospice of the North Shore Inc., 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923 and to the Newburyport Choral Society, P.O. Box 92, Newburyport, MA 01950.