Remembering Elizabeth (Betsy) Grossman

Anyone who knew Betsy Grossman will forever hear the sound of her laughter and bask in the memory of her caring spirit and open heart with Mookie, her toy poodle by her side, who was truly the light of her life and the prime subject of her countless stories. Her life was also enriched by a deep connection with her brother, Alan, and a rich circle of friends. Betsy's death at the age of 78 leaves a hole that can only be partially filled with reminisces.

As a Special Needs Teacher in the Lexington, Massachusetts school system, Betsy dedicated her career to putting young children on the path towards success and proudly decorated her wall with letters of gratitude from her students. She loved the work but found the school bureaucracy far less rewarding and eagerly retired at age 60. In the following years, she became the tacit leader of her "six pack," a group of retired teachers who regularly got together for meals, gossip, and lively chatter.

Betsy loved to engage with others, charming everyone with meandering conversation that made her a joy to spend time with. She was also avid about her jigsaw puzzles—the more complex and colorful, the better—and a super-fan of the Outlander series, with its unique mix of romance, historical drama, and fantasy. In her younger years, she spent time on an Israeli kibbutz, rode a camel in Egypt, and journeyed down under to Australia. Later, Amsterdam, Paris, Memphis, and New York City were favorite trips, often in her brother's company.

But nothing eclipsed the toy poodles. Monty was her first dog since childhood. Then came Mookie Betts, named after the Red Sox slugger long before he decamped to Los Angeles. Now there is a dog. Adorable and snuggly, Mookie understood his place to be at Betsy's side at all times. He instantly won his way into the hearts of all who met him, providing Betsy an easy entrée to her neighbors and an endless source of amusement and anecdotes. Mookie has found a safe haven with his beloved caretakers, with Alan bestowed visiting rights any time he is in the area.

Betsy's veterinarian father, Roger, undoubtedly sparked her early passion for animals while her mother, Jean, contributed warmth and humor to the personality mix. Sunday morning phone calls with Alan were a non-negotiable routine, as was their famous Thanksgiving dinner, complete with sweet potato pie and marshmallows. Together, they would share family stories, look at old photos, watch movies, laugh, and then laugh some more.

Born on November 1, 1947, Elizabeth Joy Grossman earned BA and MA degrees from Boston University and settled in the Boston suburbs for the remainder of her life. Her death on March 13, 2026 in Lexington, Massachusetts is an unfathomable loss. Donations to animal rescue organizations in her memory would be welcome.