Elizabeth Cushman Gumbart

Elizabeth Cushman Gumbart, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 21, 2025. She was a resident of Elim Park Place in Cheshire, CT for the final 15 years of her life after 45 years in North Haven, CT. Born on April 17, 1932, to the late Rufus P. Cushman, Jr., and Clara Morse Cushman in Providence, RI, Betsy was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, William B. Gumbart, Jr., who passed away in May 2010. Betsy is survived by her four sons, four daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren, Bill Gumbart and Sue Cornick of Boulder, Colorado, Tom and Carol Gumbart of Franklin, New Hampshire, their son Ryan and daughter Laurel, Ted and Mary Beth Gumbart of Townsend, Georgia, their daughter Taylor, and David and Sue Gumbart of Killingworth, Connecticut, and their son Spencer and daughter Clara. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, Ann and Sarah, daughters of Ryan and Julia Payson Gumbart. Betsy was also predeceased by her three dearly loved siblings, Jane Cushman Deyo, Mary Cushman Colwell, and Rufus P. Cushman III. A graduate of the Lincoln School (Providence, RI), and Middlebury College (VT), Betsy acquired a temporary teaching certification and taught elementary school in New Canaan, CT. She completed coursework at Columbia University (NY) to gain her permanent teaching certification and later taught at the Temple Street School in North Haven, CT. Upon starting her family and serving as a homemaker, wife, mother, and volunteer in multiple leadership roles, she maintained a great influence in education and volunteerism. She served as a Church School teacher for six years, including two as Superintendent. She served on the North Haven PTA, including a term as President. Betsy served with the Literacy Volunteers for 14 years, again including the role of President. Betsy's interests included tennis, walking, gardening, recycling, bible study, children's literature, and reading. She expressed her love of books, writing, and editing in many ways, including serving as Chair of her Church's used book sale, SpringBoox, for three years. She wrote and contributed stories to popular children's publications, served as editor for multiple church and community newsletters, and was a primary volunteer for the Elim Park libraries. Friends and family will celebrate her wonderful and giving life at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the North Haven Congregational Church, 28 Church Street. Beecher & Bennett of Hamden, CT is handling Betsy's funeral arrangements. Messages of condolence may be shared through her online obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com. Gifts in Betsy's memory may be made to the Community Soup Kitchen of New Haven www.csknewhaven.org or to Heifer International www.heifer.org.