Elizabeth “Betsey” Bagshaw, age 78, of Lititz and Lily Lake, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024, at her home in Lititz surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Born in Huntingdon, PA on April 12, 1945, she was a daughter of the late Maybell E. (Morris) Brewster and John W, Bagshaw. She graduated from Huntingdon Area High School and Lock Haven University where she received her bachelor of science degree in health and physical education. She earned a Master of Education degree from Penn State University. For 30 years, Betsey taught for the Conestoga Valley School District as a high school and middle school teacher and coach of numerous sports. Throughout her teaching career, she would travel every weekend and spend the summers at the home she built at Lily Lake. Upon retirement, she was able to spend more time at the lake and was always willing to help EVERYONE with their home improvement projects. She was an active member of Mount Zion United Church of Christ for 40 years, participating in all church activities including weekly church finances, and yearly church audit. She was even able to play the church organ when needed.
Betsey was a member of the National Education Association, Pennsylvania State Education Association, and a dedicated member of the Lily Lake Property Owners Association, where she held a position on the board for several years. She was an avid woodworker, making her own furniture such as tables, desks, bars, and cabinets, and many wood crafts like butterfly houses, clocks, stools, candle and key holders. Betsey loved travelling, going to the Scandinavian Countries of Sweden, Denmark and Norway, the islands of St Lucia, Punta Cana, and Aruba, as well as the beaches of New Jersey. She enjoyed touring the National Parks in the US and camping along the way, visiting friends in Hawaii, and even adventuring to Africa to stay with her sister who was serving as a missionary. She enjoyed water and cross-country skiing, competing in various sports and games, and was a faithful fan and scout for the Wyoming Valley West field hockey team. She loved canning her own fruits and vegetables, and taking care of her numerous beloved kitties.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Alice Peterhaensel; a niece, Erin Phillips and husband Rick; nephews, Karl (wife Amy) and Benjamin Peterhaensel, grandnieces: Makayla Domathoti, Alexa Domathoti, Jonalene Phillips, Karis Phillips, Leah Peterhaensel; and great nephews, Ryan Domathoti, Karl Pererhaensel, Caleb Peterhaensel and Vaughn Phillips; and great-great niece Lillian Peterhaensel. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her mother’s good friend Elmer Copp.
She will be sorely missed by her roommate Kathy McClune and four devoted friends Karen Alderfer, Diane Webster, Linda Fithian, and Kay Whitman and four cats.
Betsey touched the lives of many during her lifetime and the multitude of memories shared with her by all will never be forgotten. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM, on April 13, 2024, at Mount Zion United Church of Christ, 438 Lily Lake Road, Wapwallopen, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Mount Zion United Church of Christ, 113 Forest Drive, Wapwallopen, PA 18660, in Betsey’s memory.
Online messages of comfort may be sent to condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com.