Who can forget the Merchant of Venice, The Odyssey and The Iliad and the countless themes graded for thought and expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation. My efforts usually bled red ink with corrections and I am forever grateful that Mrs. Douglas expected so much more from me than I was able to give. I trust this is not too "wordy" as I express my deepest sympathies to the Douglas family.

How dear Betsy was to me! She was huge influence on me as a child and young adult and her love lives in my heart. My condolences and love to you Genie and Margaret and Chuck.

To my very understanding English teacher, thank you. But as usual I'm late again.
George Chase

Betsy was my mother's roommate at Heritage Heights this past summer. When I visited Betsy last month, she reflected on how change is a part of life, and how accepting that fact made her life less difficult than it might have been. She also shared that no matter what we do, we can never predict what changes and ailments our bodies will endure as we age. This wisdom was shared freely, with no hint of sorrow or lamenting. Betsy's spunk and enthusiasm for life positively impacted my outlook on growing old. I'm positive she is enjoying a splendid keilidh in heaven with my father and other fine Scots, because she certainly knew how to turn a visit to Heritage Heights into a keilidh!!  My prayers and condolences go out to her family and friends.

Our sincere condolences to the entire Douglas Family.  Even though we did not know Betsy, Bob and I have only heard what a good person she was and will be sorely missed....  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness....

Paulette & Bob Bourgeois

Dear Betsy, 

I sit writing this, I find myself faced with a dilemma; in thinking of a word to describe you, my mind is flooded with so many words!  Teacher, mother, friend, confidant, partner in crime, classy, funny, worldly, wise, helper, generous, timeless, ageless ..........the list could go on and on.  We met when I was 37 and you were 76, an unlikely friendship.  You embraced not only me, but my entire family, and each one of us holds a special place in our hearts for you.  I have so many fond (and funny) memories of times we spent together.  I toasted you on your 80th birthday, and remember how you told me that you were going to have men in tuxedos serving champagne on trays, and so you did! I hugged you on your 90th birthday on that beautiful August afternoon.  I know that you are smiling down not only on me, but on all the people you loved and who love you, and that is a comfort. There are plants in my garden that you gave me to remind me every spring that a life well-lived, such as yours, is never forgotten. When I practice yoga, I think of you and how you would say, "you have to be flexible in body and mind, or you will just dry up, what good will you be then?"  I carry a lot of your advice around in my head, and am so grateful to have been able to call you my friend.  So if I have to pick a phrase to describe you, it will be role model.  You have been a wonderful and treasured role model, and I hope I can "pay it forward" in your memory.  You truly made this world a better place.  Rest in peace, but don't forget the Red Sox (or the Pats).   Love, Aimee Gangel

Our condolences to the Douglas family. Betsy will be truly missed. I enjoyed Betsy for many years as we worked together in the Hopkinton Women's Club.
Loved her hats! She always encouraged me to wear one. She had a strong spirit and never failed to lift those around her up. 
                                                           Louisa and Jack Porter

I send my heartfelt sympathy to the Douglas family during this time. I can truly say that Betsy was one of the most wonderful role models a woman cold ask for. She was poised, articulate, humorous and overwhelming kind. I will always remember our talks about literature and music and her depth of knowledge on ALL subjects. I feel lucky to have known and shared time with such an incredible soul. She will be loved and remembered by all who had the honor of knowing her. Sending lots of love your way, Erin

Mrs. Douglas was always one of my favorite teachers during my years at Hopkinton High School. I will always remember her smiling face and her trade mark hat around town.  She will always have special place in my heart and will always be one special lady.

Mrs. Douglas was always my favorite teacher in both junior and senior high.  I always enjoyed seeing her out and about town with her hats and smiling face. I will always have a special place in my heart for this special lady.  My condolences to her family.

Jerry Flanders, Hopkinton High School class of 1973

Our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences go out to the Douglas family during this time of loss and sorrow.  Betsy will be greatly missed. I will always remember Betsy's generous spirit, her boundless energy, her stellar intellect, her unique style - how can we not love her glorious hats and her supreme elegance! HWC events and fundraisers, special luncheons with conversations of her teaching English Arts and her wonderful stories of growing up in the South are all treasured. Betsy enriched our lives in countless ways and she will be dearly missed.
~Tamara, Randell and Taryn Craig

My sincere condolenses to Betsy's three children, family, and loved ones. God broke the mold when he created Betsy. I thank God for the gift of her friendship and she will always remain for me the embodiment of class, grace, wit, charm, wisdom, humor, and especially warmth! I'll always remember our first meeting over 30 years ago at the Kimballs Jenkins Estate. Betsy, I would soon learn, was the quintessence of the virtue of charity. We spent over 3 hours on our hands and knees that fine spring day, joyfully planting dozens of tulip bulbs and flowers. She was such a joy to be with and her many visits to our real estate office were legendary, with Betsy,replete with her flowered hat, matching gloves and pocketbook,  displaying a classic southern belle charm, that no gentleman could resist, most especially my father,Duane, who always gave to RPAC in large amounts that could only be attributed to her unique southern charm! Her class and empathy always endeared her to anyone fortunate enough to have her as a friend and I will miss her dearly.

Chuck & Debra - so sorry for your loss. She was awesome and I am so fortunate to have met her and to have spent some quality time with her,

To my Dad's Love of his life in his Twilight Years and his sole partner...I will miss you Betsy.  One of the classiest and lovely ladies I have ever known.  We had wonderful memories.  Ruby, my grandaughter, this morning said to say "hi" to you Betsy at your services tomorrow.  Love Wendy

Betsy was 'one of a kind'.  She sold us our house on Maine Street in the Village
of Hopkinton in 1983.  We moved (reluctantly) to West Chester, Pa. in 1992.
We saw Betsy often either at St. Andrew's, Hopkinton Woman's Club, and of
course, socially.  We were always in awe of her energy and vivacious personality.
So many memories.....gathering at Slusser's with Stella Rideout, the Hackwell's, and the Auer's to play tennis.    Betsy was always upbeat and hardly ever without a hat!  She loved Hopkinton and was its best ambassador.
We will miss her and I doubt anyone can take her place.

Joe and Edie Leonhard

P.S. I would love to know if Betsy's daughter is still involved with dance in Portland.  We now live in Wells, Maine.  edleonhard@msn.com

Our family offers their love and respect to the Douglas family during this time of sorrow.  Betsy offered leadership to the members of the Hopkinton Woman's Club, modeled elegance at a St. Andrew's fashion show and taught the fine art of hosting a tea party to my young girls at the Hopkinton Historical Society. Betsy also was a great spirit each week at our yoga class. She will be dearly missed.

Kathy, Greg, Erin, Claire and Benjamin Thesing

Deepest sympathies to you and your family, Genie.

My condolences on the loss of one of the most incredible women I have ever met. Betsey was an amazing force in keeping Hopkinton the great place it is to live. I can picture her right now in conference with G-D, insuring all that must be done gets done. Rest in Peace Betsey, you will be missed by many.

Betsey was unique, revered, and very much loved. When I went into Real Estate, I asked her advice, which she gladly gave, and has served me well. Such a delight to have known her. Linda Hutton

My Sincere Sympathy in the loss of such a wonderful and classy lady. I will truly miss seeing her. She was always such a pleasure and I enjoyed talking with her. Prayers to her family.

Betsy was one-of-a-kind in all she did and made great contributions to the life of the Concord area.  We remember her fondly.  Bill and Lee (Noseworthy) Williams

chuck;   very sorry to read the news of your mother.  betsy made an impact here in concord....my prayers are with you and your family.                   jim boyle --  concord nh

Oh How I loved this classy lady!  As a young girl growing up in Contoocook I always marveled at the gloves, the hats, the classy way she presented herself.  I had the pleasure of talking to her on many occasions and enjoyed working with her in some great fashion show fundraisers after college. Her memory lives on. Celebrate her life with pride and joy.
Kathy (Millerick) Stickney

My condolences to the Douglas family.  Betsy was a great friend to Stella Rideout and I was fortunate to have met her a few times.  I remember her bringing Stella tomatoes as a 90th birthday gift.  Her passing truly brings an end to an amazing era.

Elizabeth was a long-time Grappone customer, and we always had nice conversations when she would come in for service. A very classy lady. I will miss our chats. God Bless.

I will always remember Betsy and Buddy walking the "Bluff" road at Heritage Heights.  In the winter they would both be wearing boots. 
My sympathies to all on our loss of a wonderful lady.

To Betsy (my other Mom),
 Enjoy all the tennis, golf and football games that heaven has to offer but don't forget to call me and send me a high five when the exciting plays occur! May we some day meet again and enjoy a spot of gin and a ballgame together!
Love,
Your other son

OBITUARY

Elizabeth G. Douglas

August 2, 1920 – November 14, 2012

Bennett Funeral Home

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