Elizabeth “Betsy” Woodbury Rowe passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on the 4th of May. Betsy was the daughter of Perry and Nancy Woodbury and sister to Robert (Bob) Woodbury. She was born in New York City, graduated from Horace Greeley HS and went on to earn degrees at Smith College and The Fletcher School at Tufts University.
Betsy is survived by her husband C. Edward Rowe Jr. (Ted) and their three children: C. Edward Rowe III (Tee), Kevin Rowe, and Deb Marchiony. Without hesitation, Betsy claimed her three children to be her biggest accomplishment. She shared a love of outdoor activities and travel adventures. She was thrilled to add John, Kate, and Laurie and then six grandchildren to the family fun. She was often seen with any one of them, or all of them, skiing, hiking, fly fishing, or playing tennis or golf.
As a dedicated and energetic volunteer, Betsy’s attention to detail benefited many organizations including the Junior League of Boston, Action for Children's Television, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the St. Peter’s Altar Guild. Her efforts at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute led to her serving as the President of the Friends. In addition, Betsy was an accomplished professional who held development roles at The Fletcher School, Pine Manor College, and Saint Jude Children's Hospital.
Betsy was a passionate “Smithie” and found great joy as a relentless fundraiser and organizer for her beloved Smith College Class of 1959. She cherished the opportunity to serve on the Reunion Committee for their 65th reunion. Through volunteering, she found many of lifelong friends.
Betsy will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife to Ted, adoring big sister to Bob, empowering mother to Tee, Kevin and Debby, and playful and generous “Nana” to Sam, James, Peter, Max, Charlie, and Alex. With pride, she rarely missed a concert, performance, or graduation, and she was a fixture cheering from the sidelines, in the bleachers, at the finish area and on the riverbanks.
Memorial service for Betsy will be held in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 320 Boston Post Road, Weston, on Saturday, June 1, at 2PM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Private interment in Linwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Betsy’s honor to Dana-Farber www.dana-farber.org or Smith College www.smith.edu/giving.