Betsy Paul Brothers, 81, passed away at the McClure Miller Respite House in the early morning hours of Friday, May 22, 2020, in the comfort of her best friend and daughter, Anne, and grandchildren. Born in Glens Falls, NY, on March 16, 1939, she was the daughter of the late John and Eleanor (Lary) Paul. Betsy was previously married to Richard Brothers.
Betsy grew up in Rochester, VT, and continued her education, attending secretarial school in Syracuse, NY. Making their home in the Mad River Valley, they raised their daughters and became integral to the fabric of the community. Effervescent, joyful, loving, determined and energetic are but a few words that could be used to describe Betsy.
In her early years of living in The Valley, Betsy was employed in food service at Mad River Glen and following, took time raising her daughters. She later founded her own residential cleaning service which she operated for many years in the Mad River Valley. Betsy immensely enjoyed her weekly visits to Anne’s hair salon to be pampered but, as importantly, to share the chicken salad sandwiches she prepared and to hold court with the other clients. It was a truly wonderful tradition and fun time for all. An avid swimmer at the Bridges, she and her fellow aquatic enthusiasts were known as the “swimmin’ women.” In addition, Betsy loved to travel, especially to her favorite retreat, the Turks and Caicos Islands. A frequent visitor to see her grandson Carter Lash in California, who is the founder of Carter’s Aromatherapy Design, a CBD oil and CAD products company, Betsy became an instant legend at the annual prestigious High Time’s Cup.
Betsy is loved and mourned by her daughter, Anne Roberts and her husband Bobby of Stowe; her grandchildren, Carter Lash of Sacramento, CA, Kirk Fontana of South Burlington, Macall Meslin of Stowe and Robert Meslin of Essex Junction; a brother, John F. Paul and his wife Jennifer of Rutland; her feline best friend, Louie; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. Betsy now joins in passing her daughter, Sarah Lucy Brothers, and her sister, Patricia Hernandez.
Services are being planned for family and friends. For those who wish, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Mad River Valley Community Fund, P.O. Box 353, Waitsfield, VT 05673 (www.mrvcommunityfund.org). Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com or the funeral home Facebook page.
