A Moment of Silence in Remembrance of Betsy Berrey
We are writing because our mom and sister, Betsy Berrey, passed away
on Saturday, July 24, 2010 of complications related to multiple
myeloma, a cancer of the blood. Betsy liked to say she wore "many
hats." She was a lover of horses and Corgis, a dressage judge, a
member of the L faculty, the "cookie queen of Winnetka," a beloved
mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, and an inspiration to
us all. As the "sunshine judge" who smiled at riders as they rode down
the center line, Betsy prided herself on being fair and kind. She gave
great advice with a generous spirit and her wonderfully encouraging
smile. As a member of our family, she loved us deeply and
unconditionally. She helped us process the world, showed us how to
treat people with decency and respect, and always answered when we
called. She cheered on our successes and comforted us through our
pain.
Betsy spent the last weeks of her life with us and with her
grandchildren, closest friends, and Roxie, her sweet Corgi. We held
her hand and read aloud the beautiful letters she received—thank you,
for all your kind words.
Please join us on Sunday, August 8 at 8 pm EST for a moment of
silence. We are doing this moment of silence in lieu of a large
funeral service because her friends and loved ones are scattered
across the country. This is a time to hug your horse or dog, hold a
loved one's hand, light a candle, muse on your favorite piece of
advice or witty Betsy-ism, say a prayer, or memorialize her in any
other way that you see fit. Remember that you are not alone in this
moment—we will be missing and remembering her together, even if we are
miles apart. We have created a memorial website for her, where we hope
you will add your thoughts about her and RSVP for the moment of
silence, so we know you are participating with us:
http://betsyberrey.lifequarters.com.
Our family held a small, private memorial for her, and her remains
will be buried at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, where her parents are
buried.
Warmly,
her children Adam, Ellen & Kevin, her son-in-law Steve, and her
sisters Jean & Emily
Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.