Elizabeth Williams

We are mourning the loss of Elizabeth "Betsy" Grace (Doscher) Williams, beloved mother of David, and grandmother of Marshall. Betsy passed on August 6, 2025. She is predeceased by her husband, Mike, brother, Fred, and sister, Pat. She was followed into the afterlife by her sister, Eileen, on August 30.
Born to Frederick and Elizabeth (White) Doscher, on August 21, 1938, Betsy grew up in Mount Vernon, NY. She graduated from St. Gabriel High School in 1956, later attending the College of New Rochelle ('60) and earning her Master's in Education at Manhattan University.
Betsy was a member of the Sisters of Mercy in Tarrytown, NY. While a member of the Order, she was an elementary school teacher. It was while in that role that she met Mike at St. Cecelia's School in New York. They fell in love, made the decision to leave the Order, and married in 1975.
Betsy continued teaching until their son, David, came along in 1979. For the next six years, she became a teacher to one "student," her child! Utilizing learned techniques from her classroom years and combining them with her natural creativity, enthusiasm, and love, she instilled in her son a love of learning and literature and an appreciation for kindness towards others.
In 1985, Betsy started at local bookstore, "Happy Booker," as its children's literature specialist. She would host book fairs around the state and organize author visits to the store. Her favorite part of the job was helping children, parents, and grandparents find just the right book to enjoy together! Betsy would make similar recommendations writing a column for the Daily Record entitled, "A Book for Every Season!" Her final job was at Silver Burdett Publishing (later Pearson.) While there, she would work as a writer, first creating Social Studies textbooks before shifting her focus to Religious Education.
Even though she had left the Order, Betsy's devotion to God and service continued. Both she and Mike were active members of Our Lady of Mercy Parish. While there, Betsy served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Shawl Ministry. Betsy and Mike served together as Children's Liturgy instructors, Religious Education teachers, and long-time members of OLM's Pre-Cana team.
Betsy was just as devoted to her family. She and Mike were married for 49 years, supporting each other and championing each other the whole time through. She was equally supportive of her son, fostering a love of literature, music, theater and learning everything she could about Boston College sports! Finally, she took such joy in every moment she spent with her grandson, Marshall. Whether it was reading to him, exploring the outdoors, gathering leaves and sticks, or showing how to dribble a basketball through her legs, being with Marshall brought a smile to her face every time!
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association in Betsy's name.
Burial will be private.