Josephine Betsy Elizabeth Ross Reed

Josephine Elizabeth "Betsy" Ross Gabourel Reed departed this life on Saturday, September 15th after 91 fulfilling years. She is survived by her eldest sister, Evelyn Ross Buchanan. She is the beloved mother ofVictor Gabourel, Robert Gabourel, Ernest Gabourel, and Susan Reed Butler. Betsy left her legacy with grandchildren Reiko Gabourel Bamford, Victoria Gabourel Serna, Monica Gabourel, Jason Megredy Gabourel, and Haley Butler and great grandchildren Julia Serna, Justin Bamford, Kailey Bamford, Nathan Bamford.

A celebration of Betsy's love and life will be held on Thursday, September 20th at Schoen Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. Visitation will be held from 3-6pm and mass will follow promptly at 6pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Americare Hospice.

Biography:

In the song of life, Josephine Elizabeth Reed was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Betsy preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Betsy believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Betsy perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

Betsy was born on March 4, 1921 at Orange Walk Hospital in Orange Walk City, Belize. Her parents were John Henry Ross and Evelina Price. Betsy was raised in Orange Walk City, Belize. As a young child, Betsy was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Betsy rarely called attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her. Early on in her family relationships, Betsy showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with four siblings. She had three older brothers Wallace, Bobby and Walter and an older sister, Evelyn. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation. As she was growing up, Betsy developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Betsy liked concrete things. In her spare time she liked to sew, read, watch movies, do crossword puzzles and create ceramics. However, to Betsy, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends. Those who didn’t know Betsy well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Betsy was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Betsy’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. Her closest friends were Phil and Evelyn Phelps, Josie Wood, Frances St. Germaine, Pat Sierra, and Flo and Horace Marceaux. A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Betsy had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On June 1944 she exchanged wedding vows with her first love Ernest Gabourel who she dedicated her life to until his untimely death by accident in 1947. She was widowed for 17 years and in that time devoted her time and attention to her children. In 1963, Betsy exchanged wedding vows with her life partner Roland Reed at Saint Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, LA.

Betsy was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Betsy was blessed with four children. She had three sons, Victor, Robert and Ernest and one daughter, Susan. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Reiko, Victoria, Jason, Monica and Haley.

Betsy found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. As a Comptometer Operator, she was employed at Sealtest Dairies. Betsy tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others. Betsy enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite activities were ceramics, reading, and puzzles. Betsy was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment. Betsy liked sports. Recreational sports included bowling. Betsy was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Saints and LSU Football.

Betsy’s faith was important to her. During that time Betsy was an active member of the Catholic Church. Betsy's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her religion, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did. Because she loved the world around her, Betsy enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Betsy put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included California, Hawaii and her hometown in Belize.

Betsy passed away on 9/15/2012 at 11:20pm at home in Metairie, LA. She died of natural causes. She is survived by sister Evelyn, sons Victor, Robert and Ernest, and daughter Susan. Betsy was laid to rest in Metairie, LA. Betsy was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Betsy always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Betsy was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Josephine "Betsy" Elizabeth Reed.