Obituary: Betsy Allen of Staatsburg

From the family

Betsy Jane Allen, 75, of Staatsburg, beloved wife of Stephen J. Allen, died of pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, under the gentle care of Hudson Valley Hospice at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck. Born April 11, 1946, in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Robert Bernard Miller and Anna Josephine (Bruns) Miller.

Betsy received an undergraduate degree from Moravian College and a master’s degree from Russell Sage College. A teacher all her life, she worked for Saugerties Central School District at the Grant D. Morse Elementary School until her retirement: she bragged that she taught every grade except kindergarten and 4th! She also taught computer programming and GED classes for Dutchess Community College.

Betsy sang her life through. She formerly was a member of the Sweet Adelines Chorus and the Rhinebeck Choral Society. Recently she rekindled her love of singing and joined her church choir. For the last several summers, she and Steve sang with Encore Chorale at the Chautauqua Institute.

Betsy was never without at least one dog in her life. She cherished each of them, and asked that their ashes be mingled with hers at her interment.

She was an avid quilter, who delighted in designing, crafting, and giving away many of her colorful creations. She enjoyed reading, going on cruises, good conversations, jigsaw puzzles and gathering with friends.

Betsy was a long-time member and Trustee of the United Methodist Church of Hyde Park.
Betsy was a Life Member of American Mensa, qualifying on the basis of her college admission scores. Not only intellectually brilliant, but she was also witty and generous and wise. Above all, she was a deep listener – by word, action, and example she was an attentive presence. Her laugh was immense, her smile, everlasting. One of her friends posted, “Betsy is still with us. Not in the way we want. But she is still with us.” She is, and will be.

Difficult as it may be to believe, Betsy was an introvert all through high school. To help her overcome her shyness, someone suggested that she have a conversation with three new people every day. She followed this practice to the end of her life, and she became a vibrant outgoing personality who created a “heart friend” of nearly everyone she met.

There could be no better way to honor her than to follow her practice of creating community wherever she went.

Betsy married Stephen J. Allen on July 29, 2010; Mr. Allen survives at home. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her stepchildren, Joann (Burke) Robinson and husband Todd, Matthew J. Burke, John P. Allen and wife Emily, Atticus C. Lanigan, and Keagan R. Allen, and three grandchildren: Ian Pulsford, Mairead Lanigan, and Padraig Lanigan. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law, Mae Inez (Fernadez) Miller, her niece, Stacy Inez Miller, and her nephews, John G. Miller, Robert S. Miller, and William H. Miller. Betsy was predeceased by her first husband Joseph G. Burke, Jr., and her brother Gerald R. Miller.

In keeping with Betsy’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will take place on September 11 th at 1 PM, at the Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church, 2381 New Hackensack Rd. Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. It will be livestreamed at this link.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park.