Elizabeth Anderson Blystone

On Saturday, August 8, 2020, Elizabeth (Betty) Blystone, loving wife and mother of four children, passed away peacefully at her home in Falls Church, Virginia at the age of 94. Elizabeth was born in 1926 in Providence Rhode Island to Carl and Ethel Anderson. Her father’s job at Western Telegraph necessitated moving his family numerous times; growing up she lived in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and eventually Baltimore Maryland, where she graduated high school in 1944. Her first job was at T. Rowe Price in Baltimore, where she was the 9th employee hired. She worked directly for Mr. Price; reviewing and analyzing financial statements of companies that interested him. At his direction she took courses to add to her skills, read financial and news magazines, and learned the statistical and secretarial accuracy that was her lifelong hallmark. In 1946 Elizabeth’s focus shifted from work to family when she married Jerome (Jerry) Blystone. In 1960 she moved with him and their first 3 children to Falls Church. Adding civic responsibilities to her existing roles of wife and mother Elizabeth quickly became involved in several committees with the League of Women Voters. She was elected president of the local LWV chapter in 1968. At around the same time she was appointed to the Mayor's committee tasked with planning the Cherry Hill Park. In 1971, she was appointed to the Falls Church School Board, served four terms, and in 1975 was elected Chairman of that board. Also during the early 70's she was selected to serve on the Virginia School Boards Association and in 1980 served a term as President. During this period she was involved in planning the first middle school in Falls Church and received a "Friend of Education" plaque from the Teacher's Association. She also served on two committees of the National School Board Association. In 1984, Elizabeth was appointed to fill an unexpired term of two years on the Falls Church City Council. Subsequently she was elected to three full terms on the council and in 1988 was selected Mayor of Falls Church. Elizabeth learned accounting while raising children and working in the community, then subsequently returned to the workplace, working as an accountant and comptroller for two companies until she retired in the mid 2000s. Though retired she continued to be active in the community, enjoyed family vacations at the beach, was a constant source of wisdom and inspiration to family and friends, and greatly enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband Jerry and her three siblings. She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Deb (husband Dave, child Chris), Pat, Dick (wife Margie, children Sarah and Zak), Andy (wife Kathy, child Louisa), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, ‘adopted’ daughters, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. Elizabeth’s ashes will be interred alongside Jerry’s at Oakwood Cemetery in Falls Church. In lieu of flowers or other items, her children are requesting that those who knew Elizabeth well and wish to share a personal remembrance or story do so. So much of our wonderful mother’s enduring legacy is embodied in the care and concern she had for others; we will treasure having those remembrances as we keep her alive in our hearts for years to come. Condolences and fond memories may be made to Elizabeth’s family below.