Betsey Shimkus

Betsey Shimkus, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born in Southbridge, Massachusetts on June 3, 1943, Betsey remained a New Englander at heart, raised with a strong sense of independence, curiosity, and care for others. She began her professional life in New York City and later Boston, working in administration for W.R. Grace and Vanity Fair Paper. Her early career reflected a talent for thoughtful communication and a quiet confidence that carried through every chapter of her life.

She eventually settled in Maryland, where she raised a close and loving family, which she considered her greatest joy. She created a home filled with warmth, beauty, and thoughtful detail. Her appreciation for history, reading, and design was reflected in everything from the beautiful vintage books on her shelves to the antiques she carefully collected.

Betsey remained deeply involved in her community, volunteering with the Sandy Spring Museum for nearly 15 years. She contributed to the research and production of Sandy Spring: A Community History in Profile, a book that captured the stories and legacy of the place she came to call home. It was work that combined her passions for storytelling, history, and quiet service.

She found meaning in the gentle rhythms of everyday life. She loved spending time outdoors, especially on the patio in the sun, and took particular pride in transforming a wild corner of her yard into a peaceful and beautiful shade garden. She also found joy in traveling to New England and Europe, reading, and sharing meals and conversation with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Frank; her daughter Leslie; her son Darren and his wife Susannah; and her beloved grandchildren, Madeleine and Ava. Her family will remember her as a constant presence of care, love, and quiet strength.

Betsey’s life was marked by devotion, resilience, and grace, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In leu of flowers, donations may be made in Betsey's name to Sandy Spring Museum https://www.sandyspringmuseum.org/support-us/donate or Father John's Animal House https://www.fatherjohns.org/donate/