Elizabeth Kohmescher

It is with great sadness that we share with you that Elizabeth Kohmescher (Betsy Upson) has passed away after a valiant fight against cancer in Phoenix, Arizona.

Betsy is predeceased by her parents, Robert and Ruth (Parker) Upson, as well as by her brother, Andrew.

Betsy is survived by her husband, Michael and their two sons, David and Benjamin. Sisters Mary (Edwin) Summerhays, Susan Upson (Edward Browning), brothers Michael (Debbie) Upson, and James Upson,  sisters - in - law Helene, Patricia, and JoAnn, many beloved nieces and nephews, and numerous family members. 

Betsy was born in Rochester, New York in 1951, and attended John Marshall High School and SUNY Brockport before starting her lifelong passion of teaching.  Love of teaching was a constant in Betsy’s life.She taught mathematics to elementary school students in both Rochester and Phoenix, and retired from Boulder Creek Elementary School in Paradise Valley.
 
Betsy delighted in spending time with her family, reading, solving brain teasers, all things math-related, cooking and baking, and, most especially, music and singing. Betsy belonged to several singing groups and loved performing.

No one was more important to Betsy than her sons, Dave and Ben - possibly the only people on this earth who have hearts as big as their Mom's. Her love for them and theirs for her is unmeasurable. Dave and Ben gave, and continue to give, their Mom a sense of joy and fulfillment. Betsy gave them, and continues to give them, unrelenting love.
 
From Dave to his Mom: “Sometime you'll have to tell me what it feels like to be the best Mom in the world. I have always known that is what you are! I am the richest man in the world because I have you on my side. Much love, Dave”

From Ben to his Mom: “To the greatest Mother that ever was, that ever will be; Against whom all others pale in comparison; A Queen amongst peasants. Thank you very much (and then some) for all that you do! Love, Ben” 

Betsy will be watching over her sons forever with a smile on her face and immense love. 

No formal memorial service is planned at this time. Every time you watch a Broadway performance, visit your public library (especially Rundel Memorial Library in Rochester, N.Y. and Cesar Chavez Library in Phoenix, AZ), enjoy a puzzle book, watch Jeopardy,  read a book, and reconnect with a family member or friend you will be conducting a memorial service for our beloved Betsy.

A quote from her cousin Gail sums up what we all thought. “Betsy had a sense of humor and intelligence unmatched!”

A final thought from her devoted husband: “...to have and to hold from this day forward.”