Elizabeth Stanford "Betsy" Cornelius

Elizabeth "Betsy" Stanford Cornelius, 93, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Betsy lived a life defined by intelligence, service, and grace. She was a woman of remarkable presence-prestigious yet gentle, calm and composed, unfailingly punctual, and deeply loving and caring to those fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Cheryl Dick, and her husband Mark, of Manassas, Virginia; her beloved grandchildren Daniel Seiger and his wife Mia, of Spotsylvania, Virginia, and Gabrielle Terrell and her husband Zach, of Bristow, Virginia; her niece Robin Pope and her husband Randy, of Manassas, Virginia; as well as her ten cherished great-grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

Betsy was a proud graduate of the University of Kansas and a lifelong Jayhawk. She devoted her career to public service as a registered occupational therapist (OTR) with the United States Public Health Service, where she became a nationally respected leader. Assigned to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), she served as the top occupational therapist within the Public Health Service and played a key role in shaping national healthcare policy related to long-term care and medical rehabilitation. Her work included contributions to Congress-mandated research, federal publications, and the development of the Prospective Payment System still used today. Following her retirement in 1997 after a long and distinguished career-particularly impactful in the state of Maine-she was honored with a state proclamation officially declaring September 21 as "Betty Cornelius Day," along with numerous additional awards recognizing her integrity, leadership, and lifelong commitment to public service.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Betsy embraced life with quiet enthusiasm and curiosity. She loved traveling, spending time with her family and grandchildren, and caring for her beloved pets over the years. She found joy and calm in cross-stitching, and was a frequent visitor to the Washington National Cathedral and the Kennedy Center, places that reflected her appreciation for beauty, culture, and reflection.

Service arrangements are to be determined and will be communicated at the time of determination.

Elizabeth "Betsy" Stanford Cornelius will be remembered not only for her intellect and lasting professional legacy, but for her steady presence, thoughtful nature, and the deep, abiding love she gave to her family.

She taught by example that grace does not need to be loud to be powerful, and that love does not fade when a life well lived comes to rest.