Elizabeth Glynne Betts

1958 - 2021
Elizabeth Glynne Betts, sister of Katherine and William Betts and daughter of the late Glynne Robinson Betts of New York, N.Y., and the late Hobart Dominick Betts of Sag Harbor, N.Y., passed away on August 22nd at her home in Sag Harbor after a four-year battle with cancer. She was 63.

Liz was a brilliant designer and enjoyed a successful career as a graphic designer, working at national publications such as Entertainment Weekly, Sports Illustrated For Women, Men's Health and US Weekly where, as the Creative Director she played a major role in the success of the magazine. Editor Janice Min called Liz "the most understated and talented creative director in publishing."

Born in Princeton, N.J., Liz attended the Riverdale Country Day School and Northfield Mount Hermon School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampshire College in 1981 and later studied at the School of Visual Arts. After college Liz went to work at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. A job offer in the art department at the Village Voice brought her back to New York City where she rose quickly through the ranks of publishing's most creative and prestigious magazines.

Liz was a creative force and never stopped designing. In the little spare time she afforded herself, she designed book jackets, regional newspapers such as the Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News, and magazine prototypes.

After retiring from publishing Liz intended to use her design talent to help others, particularly people with disabilities. She pursued a masters degree in engineering at New York University's Tandon School and was particularly proud of her work in the Integrated Digital Media department designing digital applications for the blind and state-of-the-art medical offices for autistic patients.

Liz maintained long friendships which brought her great joy. Recently she renovated an historic home in the Village of Sag Harbor and loved going for long walks through town and watching the sun set at Long Beach. To her family, friends and work colleagues Liz was most aptly described as a "steadfast rock"-a loyal, kind, loving, funny, and brilliant friend, aunt, sister, and mentor. She will be dearly missed.

In addition to her brother and sister, Liz is survived by her nephew Oliver Betts Brown, her niece India Josephine Brown, and many beloved aunts, an uncle, and cousins.

Memorial tributes can be made in the form of charitable donations to The Untermyer Park and Gardens in Yonkers, NY untermyergardens.org.