As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was about to happen.
– Winnie the Pooh
On February 9, 2019, Elizabeth (Betsy) O’Leary Abelson died tragically in a snowmobiling accident in Greenwood, Maine. She was 30 years old. Betsy was due to give birth in March to daughter Brooke Betsy Abelson, who also passed away in the accident.
Betsy was born on October 10, 1988 in Concord, New Hampshire to Cindy and Michael O’Leary. She and her siblings, James and Charlotte, grew up in Holderness on Squam Lake. She attended Holderness Central School and Holderness School and then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of New Hampshire and a doctorate in physical therapy from Elon University. She worked as a physical therapist at Harmeling Physical Therapy and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston where she was an inspiration to her patients with her warm bedside manner and motivating approach.
On November 23, 2017, Betsy married Stuart Bradley Abelson in a beachside ceremony in Mexico and later hosted a celebration for family and friends in Maine. Betsy together with Stuart and his two children, Audrey and Sam, really worked as a team. Betsy was the undisputed rock of the family and took pride in deftly managing the complex logistics of their busy lives. In doing so, she helped her family focus on the things that mattered most—spending time with loved ones, recognizing the beauty in and significance of small moments, and sharing their lives with others. Betsy loved being with her extended family, too, radiating her signature warmth and savoring the moments at gatherings and special events.
Betsy was an avid outdoorswoman and athlete throughout her life, finding both excitement and peace in outdoor pursuits. She grew up playing ice hockey and fishing, waterskiing and driving boats on Squam Lake. She also rowed crew in college. As an adult, she adored snowmobiling, snowshoeing and skiing, and she was a beloved part of the extended Sunday River and Gould Academy Alpine Program families. In the warmer months, she was most at home in and on the water, whether kayaking, water skiing, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding. Her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors merged as she delighted in small aircraft adventures with her husband and time on her family’s boat as a member of Eastern Point Yacht Club. She also became an avid golfer and belonged to the Turner Hill Club.
Betsy believed deeply in helping others, whether serving on a non-profit board or including Audrey and Sam’s teammates and friends in carpools. Her volunteer leadership positions included co-chairing Wellspring House’s Annual Luncheon and serving as a Trustee of Sunday River’s River Fund, an organization supporting local youth through education and recreation. This winter, Betsy was appointed by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker to the Board of Allied Health which oversees clinical licensure, practice standards and excellence in the health services field. She was also a talented lacrosse coach with Cape Ann Youth Lacrosse and her players thrived under her skilled and supportive leadership. Furthermore, as an integral member of the Brookwood School community for many years, she served as the Parents’ Association Art Committee Chair and as a gracious host for multiple parent gatherings and events.
Above all, Betsy was best known for her deeply generous spirit. She was genuine, warm and vibrant, and her ability to connect with candor and down-to-earth interest made others feel welcome and included, no matter the setting. She was both an anchor and an energizer, and she inspired those whom she touched with her earnest presence and deep commitment to helping Audrey and Sam grow and thrive and to do what is good and right.
In addition to her husband, Stuart, Betsy is survived by two stepchildren, Audrey and Sam of Gloucester, MA; parents Cindy and Michael O’Leary of Holderness, NH; brother James O’Leary of Holderness, NH, and sister Charlotte O’Leary of Holderness, NH; grandmother Barbara O’Leary of Winchester, MA; grandparents Barbara and Peter Gibb of Bedford, MA (formerly Weston, MA); parents-in-law Annalee and Mark Abelson of Holderness, NH; brother and sister-in-law Richard and Mariana Abelson of Gilbert, AZ ; nephew and niece Jake and Alexia of Gilbert, AZ and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
RECIPIENTS FROM BETSY AND BROOKE’S DONATIONS
When it came time to decide if Betsy and Brooke would be donors it was an easy decision because Betsy had her driver’s license with her and on it said Full Donor. This is what we have heard about so far about recipients.
Betsy’s corneas where received by two women in California. One went to a 58 year old and one went to a 93 year old.
Betsy donated the gift of skin. Eleven skin grafts have been requested by medical facilities in Florida, Massachusetts, and Nebraska.
Betsy donated the gift of bone. Forty recipient bone grafts have been received by medical facilities in Colombia, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.
Betsy’s heart valves were unable to be transplanted. However this gift was placed for research and education, focusing on improving processing.
Brooke’s donated the gift of heart valves. Brooke’s pulmonary valve and conduit were requested by a medical facility in Florida.
Brooke’s Aortic Valve and Conduit were unable to be transplanted due to size restrictions.
We received one letter from a recipient:
“Dear Donor Family,
I don’t know if my gratitude can help your healing, but I want you to know you and your loved one have made my life better. I tore my ACL playing soccer. Before surgery I could not play with my young children and was limited on physical activity. Now I am on the road to recovery and look forward to going on family bike rides, hiking and jumping around with my kids. Thank you for your most generous gift.
C. I. “
Please email your pictures or stories of Betsy and how she impacted your life and we will post them here. betsysparknh@gmail.com
Memories of Betsy
“Betsy was like a sister to me. Mostly I think about how generous and selfless she was and how she wanted everybody to be enjoying themselves.” S
“Betsy was absolutely one of our favorites to pass through our program. She was such a breath of fresh air among the teenage girls. Always happy. Always kind. Always ready to do the work and then some. Her huge smile will be etched in our minds and hearts always” P and B
“From the day we moved next door, Betsy was welcoming and kind. She was always so incredibly nice to me and went out of her way to do so. Since those early days until just a month ago texting to wish me a Happy Birthday, she was a generous and loving friend” G
“Betsy is on my ALL TIME FAVORITE STUDENT LIST…Betsy loved her friends and was a good friend. She was a thinker and a leader. Betsy’s presence which was comprised of good humor, curiosity and kindness brightened up our classroom. Betsy will always have a place in my heart” MF
“We will always hold a special place in our hearts for Betsy. She was one of our favorites for sure with her infectious smile and love of life. She would light up any room she walked into. More people should be like Betsy.” HF
“While we hadn’t seen each other in many years, Betsy did and will continue to have a profound impact on my life. She was a bright star in my career as a teacher and athletic trainer. Her smile is something I will remember and treasure always. In talking to alumni of the athletic training majors and gymnasts everyone commented on how caring and compassionate she was. She never seemed to have a bad day!” D
“We loved Betsy for her forever loyalty to those she grew up with and her big heart always extended to those around her, especially those she saw needing a boost.” M
“ I knew Betsy when I was her clinical rotation instructor. As with anyone who met her, feeling energized, respected and loved were transferred from her (I always hoped she would return for employment!) She was a special woman and I will very much miss the ways she brought comfort to her patients and joy to our department.” BB
