Elizabeth Perkins

Elizabeth (Betsy) Berges Perkins, 87, died peacefully at the Hospice House in Concord, NH, on Wednesday, September 8, 2010. Betsy was born on February 10, 1923, to Florence Hickok Berges and Frederick Henry Berges of White Plains, NY. Following Florence’s death in 1925, Betsy was raised by her father and stepmother, Edith Sarver Berges. Even though Betsy grew up in White Plains, Betsy spent every summer from 1923 through 2010 at Lake George. She graduated from Skidmore College in 1945 and remained a faithful alumna throughout her life.

Betsy was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Enoch Perkins, Jr. who served in World War II as a bomber pilot in the U.S. Eighth Air Force. Betsy is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Perkins Evans of Katonah, NY, and Edith Anne Perkins of Bow, NH; grandchildren, Heidi Crumrine of Center Barnstead; Rebecca Jones of Bow, NH; Sarah, Vanya, Anna, Olya, Sergei, and Sasha Evans of Katonah, NY; and two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Zoë Crumrine of Center Barnstead. Betsy, is also survived by her beloved cat, Blackie, who comforted her to the very end.

Betsy enjoyed family and friends and devoted her life to them. Betsy was involved in many organizations in Pittsburgh, PA, where she lived for over 50 years. These included church activities at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon, as well as at the Episcopal Church Home in Pittsburgh where she served on the board and as a volunteer for many years. Betsy also volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Betsy was a lifelong member of the Second Grade Mothers Club from Foster Elementary School in Mt. Lebanon from which she developed many life-long friends. In addition, she served as President of the PTA for Foster Elementary School and as a Girl Scout Leader for children in the Foster School. She was also a member of the Garden Arts Club of South Hills and the University Club Reading Group. In addition, she and her husband were life-long Steelers fans and held season tickets for over 20 years.

Betsy was always concerned for those who had no voice in their care, and in particular for animals who may have been abused, neglected, or left in habitats that compromised their lives. Thus, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, North Shore, 1101Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233.

A service celebrating Betsy’s life will be held at 3PM on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Concord, NH. Internment will be held at a private ceremony in Valhalla, NY.

Betsy’s family would also like to express their deep appreciation for the outstanding medical, spiritual, and hospice care that our mother received here in Concord during the short time that she lived here. Thank you so much.

The Bennett Funeral Home, Concord, is in charge of arrangements.