Mary "Betsy" Elizabeth Ayers

Betsy Ayers, 85, formerly of New York City, passed on March 21, 2023.  Born on March 7, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Douglas and Mary Elizabeth Ayers.

Following her graduation from Vermont Junior College in Montpelier, she worked for a brief time at Lord & Taylor in Manhasset, NY before finding her way to New York City.  To say Betsy loved the city would have been an understatement!  She passionately told visiting friends and family, “Look up, just look at that beautiful architecture!”  Then she would happily tell you everything she knew about that building. Grand Central Station was one of her favorite places and she never tired of telling you about the history of the zodiac ceiling in the Main Concourse.  She dreamed about being a tour guide there which would have suited her perfectly.

Betsy enjoyed a highly successful career as an independent manufacturer’s representative in the fashion industry for close to 50 years.  She was an outstanding sales person who easily formed long lasting relationships.  If Betsy from “The City” called a West Coast buyer, you better believe that the call would be returned immediately!  She absolutely loved working in the fashion industry and sitting down with buyers in her showroom discussing new designs and advertising campaigns.

Betsy also was the president of her apartment’s co-op board for 25 years.  She knew the history of the 1939 building in the Turtle Bay area of New York and could tell you wonderful stories about it. She and the other board members were known for how well they worked together and for keeping the design of any new renovations in line with the building’s history.

After retiring, Betsy’s love of children led to volunteering at The New York Foundling which is one of New York City’s largest providers for foster care services.  She was named “Volunteer of the Year” and looked back at that time with great fondness.

Although she wouldn’t admit it, Betsy was definitely a “social butterfly”!  Her engaging smile, infectious laughter and genuine gift of storytelling enabled her to make friends wherever she went.  If you needed help with anything, Betsy would be the first person to drop whatever she was doing to be there.  She was known for being kind and generous and will be deeply missed by longtime friends and family.

Betsy leaves behind her sister, Jane Ayers; sister-in-law, Nancy Ayers; nephew Douglas Ayers Jr. and his wife Cynthia; beloved great nephew and niece, Evan and Zoey; and extended family.  She was predeceased by her brother, Douglas Courtney Ayers.

The family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at Cody-White Funeral Home 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The New York Foundling or a charity of your choice. 

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