Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Rockwell

Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” Rockwell, 86 of Sanford passed away Monday December 7, 2020. A private celebration of Betsy’s life will be held at a later date.

Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” Rockwell was a very special woman and the world will never be the same without her. She was a big part of our family from the very beginning. Betsy was born in Cook County Chicago Illinois. Growing up and living most of her life in Winston Salem, she graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School and Lenoir-Rhyne College and began working as an editor at Western Electric in 1954. She retired after 41 years of service.

During Betsy’s abundant life she was always busy, a true artisan of sewing, knitting, crocheting, needle point, ceramics, wood working, jewelry crafting, rock mining, collecting light houses, thimbles, and so much more. If there was anything with a cat on it, you could be sure Betsy had it. She taught us knitting and quilting. Her favorite saying was “Busy Hands.” Betsy loved the sun, beach trips and her neighborhood pool. Her skin always had a suntan glow and her face, on occasion, carried a big grin.

In earlier years, she loved to travel with friends and developed many friendships along the way. Betsy love her cats, watching her favorites like the QVC channel, NCIS, and the Weather Channel, especially in her later years. Betsy was one who believed in telling things the way she thought it to be. Being very blunt was just the “Betsy Way.” Betsy was always there to help those in need. She lived in the same apartment as my (Jill) family. After losing my father as young child, Betsy became my go-to person when I really needed her. She attended my plays, graduations, and church programs. Betsy honored my family as godmother to my two daughters. Together we celebrated birthdays, holidays, baptisms, and the birth of new grandchildren. She was family to all.

With the onset of dementia, Betsy moved closer to Sanford. At Parkview Rehabilitation she enjoyed bird watching, those favorite TV shows, and staying informed of the weather. She had always been everyone’s weather forecaster.

A huge thank you to all the caring nurses, aides, and staff at Parkview Retirement home on the 500 Hall. Also, a special thanks to Connie Glass for her friendship and loving care shown to Betsy.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents Sylvester T. Rockwell and Kathryn S. Rockwell and brother John Rockwell.

She is survived by Mrs. Mary Helen Longfellow Mitchell of Pickerington Ohio: Ms. Julie Rockwell of Agoura California; Patricia Jill Haug; Christine Haug Gautier and Greg Gautier and their children Samantha, Matthew, and Jacob all of Sanford; Katherine Haug Whiteman and Mark Whiteman and their children Levi and Emma, all of Sanford.

Betsy requested that in lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of one’s choice.