Obituary of Elizabeth Numrich

Elizabeth (“Betsey”) Numrich passed away peacefully Sunday February 12, with her two children at her side. Betsey died from Covid. Dear reader, trust us when we say, if you think Covid is anything but serious you can stop reading now (Betsey would have told you to your face.) 

Betsey spent much of her childhood near Montego Bay Jamaica, which became a preferred and frequent vacation destination for her kids and grandkids. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Illinois and George Washington University, earning her Masters in Public Health from the University of Minnesota as well as serving in the Peace Corps in Ghana, West Africa. Betsey spent her entire career in healthcare and health education, finally earning her Nursing degree from St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul MN later in life. She cared deeply for others and was selfless.

Betsey loved animals of all kinds from the horses, donkeys and boxers of her youth to the ubiquitous Shelties that became so important to her and more cats than we can name. Betsey was a legendary cook, hostess and thrower of epic parties. She always had open seats for friends or acquaintances who would join for Holidays or might not have anywhere else to go.

Betsey was preceded in death by her parents Commander Frederick (“Fritz”) Worcester, Elizabeth (“Slip”) McPherran Worcester, sister Cynthia Shanks, brother-in-law David Shanks and niece Kirsten Shanks, as well as beloved extended family members. 

Betsey is survived by son Philip Numrich (Jill), Daughter Helen (Jason) Deflorin, grandchildren Lucea Deflorin, Kit (Kirsten) Deflorin, Emilie Numrich and Wyatt Numrich, cousin Alice Hoak, niece Nan (Shanks) Olson, nephew Andrew Shanks, ex-husband Dr. Robert Numrich and her cat, Chloe.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 26th, Noon at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4343 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis MN. 

In lieu of flowers Betsey requests donations to MN Sheltie Rescue.