Betsy Graff began her work at Atholton HS when I was a student, and I am so sorry to hear this news. Betsy was a fine musician, with genuine passion and great talent, and was a pleasure to work with. But what I remember most keenly, and appreciate about her, was that rather than forcing me into a mold, she appreciated my musicality and encouraged it.  One of my favorite memories from high school was accompanying the choir on piano for a spiritual piece. Not only because of how beautifully Betsy crafted the performance, but because it's one of the few performance experiences of my life where I was able to simply enjoy my part in the music.  I knew Betsy was supporting me, she was a collaborator, and she brought the best out of my own talent. I wish I'd had the chance to tell her how important she was to me.  My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

I was fortunate to be one of so many students whose life Betsy Graff touched so deeply. She was an inspirational, energetic, and caring educator who developed profound relationships with her students that changed lives. Thank you Betsy for your amazing 40 years of service to your students. My deepest sympathies to the Graff family for the loss of this beautiful light.

Betsy Graff was an integral part of many of my best memories of AHS. She was fun and inspired and a true professional, excelling at her craft. I was in Choir for three years because of her. I am so sorry to hear of her passing and will be singing Ezekiel Saw the Wheel in my head today in her memory.

Betsy and I began our Howard County teaching careers across the hall from each other at Atholton High School. We quickly became good friends and supported each other through those early days. I chaperoned many choir and madrigal trips with Betsy and was able to appreciate her dedication to students and her true musical passion as well. Although we moved out of Maryland thirty years ago, Betsy and I still shared birthday conversations. She was a wonderful teacher, talented musician, and witty friend. I'm sorry that she left us so soon.

My favorite teacher in high school by far! Great person. Sad to hear of her passing.

Over the past decade of knowing Betsy and listening to her stories about family and friends, I came to realize how very blessed I was to know this incredible woman who so delighted in the people in her life. My sympathy to all who miss her as much as I do!

Ms. Graff was one of the most important influences in my life for nurturing a love of choral music. All four years at AHS, I sang in the choir, and the last three of those years, I sang in Madrigals. In fact, getting to sing in Madrigals as well as participate in the Shakespeare group that Frank Horstman led were the two guiding lights that led me to become a Shakespeare professor at Iowa State. Much love and gratitude to you, Ms. Graff, for sharing your kindness, your talent, and your good humor with us your students. I remember so many silly moments around the piano, as you would be a part of the laughter... even while challenging us to work hard. You leave such a legacy in so many.

My fondest memory of Betsy was helping her make a fruitcake one Christmas time. I really had fun cutting up the little fruit all the while wondering why anyone would want to eat it. On several occasions she took me with the chorus to see the King Singers. She sent me many wonderful voice students over the years, too. This is just unbelievable.

I am so sorry to learn of Betsy's passing.  Many of my best high school memories are tied to her.  Singing in our girls' quartet at Atholton was one of the highlights of my senior year.  I still find myself singing many of the songs she chose for us to perform.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Graff family.

Betsy was a great musician and an amazing teacher.  More importantly, she was a kind and caring person. She will be missed.

My sympathies to her family whom she loved so very dearly.  I have known Bets since NE Music Camp in 1969.  We shared many camps days off; enjoyed our times (and campus unrest!) at SU in 1970,71; traveled to Nova Scotia in the 80's; drove to Maine for clams (lots of clam dates!); and last summer had an amazing reunion with Adrienne and Bob Hirsch in Michigan.  Bets, you were one of my best buddies and your special place in my heart will always be there with love.

Betsy Graff was a wonderful music teacher, giving our girls the opportunity to sing with Madrigals, and gave me the privilege to play the piano for the choral group. I counted her a friend when we lived in Columbia. So sad to hear about her passing!

I'm so sorry to hear about Ms. Graff.   She was a caring teacher and a talented musician.  She challenged her students to be better people and musicians, and I'll always remember the help she gave me to prepare for auditions for college, as well as the trip to Eagles Mere.  She'll be missed.  Love and prayers to her family.

I am shocked to find out about Betsy's passing.  We taught at AHS together until she moved to RHHS.   She would always email me funny stories; especially about dogs, since we were both dog lovers.  She was so proud of her niece, Jessie, participating in ANW and she would let me know when she would be on TV.  She had planned on inviting us to her family home at Eagle's Mere this summer.  I drove her to Sinai hospital when she needed knee replacement surgery.  This is so hard for me to believe.  Sending prayers to all of her family.

I first met Betsy at New England Music Camp in the late 60's. She was a consummate professional then, and continued to be so throughout her career. She was kind, thoughtful, and extremely musical. Her reputation in the County was exemplary. We are saddened by her loss and prayerful.

I was blessed to work with Betsy at River Hill.  Always kind, always professional, always about the students!!  Sending thoughts, prayers and hugs to Betsy's family.  

Sybil Kessinger

Betsy was a decades long friend, a talented respected musician, a loving, caring soul. We will miss her tremendously.

Was blessed to have met Betsy back in 1987 when she adopted Casey, my first rescue dog.  We remained friends over all these years - she will be sorely missed - she was a beautiful lady and a talented musician and was loved by many.

She was my great Music teacher.   William (Bill)  Chesnutt

May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11

OBITUARY

Elizabeth Laura Graff

2 December, 1948 – 17 March, 2017

Witzke Funeral Homes Inc.

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