Obituary of Elizabeth P. Bradley

Elizabeth (Betsy) Palmer Bradley passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022, in Buffalo NY. She is the youngest child of Gwendolyn Palmer Carlson and Henry Webster Palmer and was born May 22, 1942, … on her mother’s birthday. Betsy spent her childhood years in Duxbury, MA, and attended Derby Academy in Hingham, MA for high school before earning her teaching degree from Wheelock College in Boston. She began her calling to work with children in Massachusetts, and then moved to Western NY, where she raised her three children Erika, Russell, and Alex. While in Western NY she worked with Special Education students at the High School level. In 1987, Betsy moved to Naples, FL to be closer to her mother and teach first and second grade, specializing in ESL, (English as a Second Language), until she retired in 2003. After retirement, Betsy moved back to Massachusetts and settled in Hingham, in large part to be closer to her sister, Helen. She spent many years there with her sister, brother-in-law Alan, and all of her nieces and their families, whom she adored so much. Wherever Betsy was, her love of Jesus and her church family were always central to her life. Her most recent church home was St. Paul’s Church in Hingham. where she taught CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) classes to 2nd grade until health challenges hindered her ability to do so. Betsy’s loving and selfless heart and welcoming smile made her a wonderful friend to neighbors and even strangers, no matter where she was or what she was doing. Making people feel comfortable, valuable, and truly heard was one of her many special gifts. She was very proud of her three children and loved them deeply and unconditionally, and her grandchildren were the loves of her life. “Grammy” made every effort to attend as many of their school functions, recitals, sports games, and church milestones as she possibly could. She especially loved playing fiercely competitive games with her family, some of her favorites being Yahtzee, Monopoly and Mini Golf. Betsy is survived by children Erika (Michael) Schultz, Russell Knowles, and Alexander (Susan) Knowles. Betsy also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Tyler, Alyson, and Lyndsie Schultz; Danae, Alexander II (Mikaela), Abigail and William Knowles; and one great-grandchild Maya Knowles. She is also survived by her sister Helen (Alan) MacKay, her many nieces and nephews and her beloved cat Phoebe. Betsy was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Fargo, and Bronson Fargo, Memorial Service to be held at St. Paul’s Church, Hingham MA on January 7, 2023, at 2:00 PM. Interment TBD @ Saint John the Evangelist, Duxbury MA.