Elizabeth (Betsy) Clausen
1931 - 2022
Elizabeth (Betsy) Clausen died peacefully September 9, 2022, at KBR Hospice Home after a brief
illness. Betsy was born in Lawrenceville, Virginia to Nora and Judge Marshall Peterson on June 24,
1931. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Barbara Dennis, Henry (Hal)
Peterson, Marshall Peterson, and her grandchild Milo Wright.
Betsy is survived by her three daughters, Sarah Jackson, Susan Clausen (husband Bert Crenca), and
Cindy Wright (husband Grant Wright) and grandchildren Nick Wright and Alice Jackson.
She graduated from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va, and received a Masters in Library
Science from Rosary College in River Forest Il. She worked as a medical librarian in hospitals around
the Chicago area until her retirement. During her working years, she was honored and acknowledged for
her dedication and professionalism by doctors and her other colleagues. She loved the south and spent
her retirement years living in the Winston-Salem area near family. She attended Parkway United
Church of Christ where she quickly became part of the community.
She engaged anyone who met her with her witty humor, intelligence, and genuine interest in people.
She was an advocate for social justice and equity for all. Throughout her life, she was an avid reader,
artist, and world traveler. She instilled these interests in her three children.
In lieu of flowers she requested donations be made to Parkway United Church of Christ. A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Greatest laugh ever. Love ya Aunt Betsy.
It was a joy knowing Betsy. She was fun to spend time with, and to share a laugh with. We shared a love of birds, and I admired her lovely bird carvings. She lived a long and productive life. Blessings. Rest in peace, Betsy.
Now that woman could laugh and love with the best of ‘‘em and likely still is. Give her a drink or two and she could spin tales for hours, bless her heart. I enjoyed talking with Betsy every time I saw her but none more so than strolling around Charleston twice a day while kids and Mommies swam. Thank the Lord we were able to fix the world, even if they screwed it up again once we left. Here’s to you, Virginia girl.
You new there would be fun when Betsy was around! We so enjoyed her company and the times we all spent together. I still have the birthday card Betsy sent me when I turned 40. It said Lordy,Lordy, Karen’s Forty!! I laugh every time I think about it! I always admired her beautiful bird wood carvings and feel lucky to have known her. Much love to all and I’m sure the spirits of Milo and Betsy are cooking up mischief for us!