Elizabeth Wainwright Barnes

Elizabeth Wainwright Barnes died on July 21, 2024, after a brief illness. She was 68.

Born in Amesbury, MA on October 9, 1955, “Betsy” was the youngest of three children of Virginia Vose Barnes and Swift Churchill Barnes. From the age of ten until young adulthood, Betsy attended the Cardinal Cushing School, a residential facility for children with special needs, in Hanover, MA. There she developed a solid foundation of life skills which enabled her to work and to live independently. After graduating, she worked briefly at Opportunity Works in Newburyport before joining the staff of the Anna Jacques Hospital as a Dietary Aide. She retired in 2021, after 36 years of loyal service.

Betsy had many adventures! She lived in Switzerland as a young child, traveling throughout Europe with her family. She looked forward to annual visits to her parents’ winter home in Florida – the highlight being their traditional week at Disney World. She joined her family on sailing trips in Greece, the Caribbean and along the Northshore and Cape Cod, and for summer vacations on the Cape.

Betsy also had many interests. She had a deep appreciation for music. Andrea Boccelli, Harry Belafonte, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Country, Hawaiian and Soul were among her favorites. Paramount of course, was Rod. The iconic Rod Stewart! Betsy was an enthusiastic fan. Not only did she know all his songs and lyrics, but his touring schedule as well. She attended three Stewart shows, the last being in 2023 with her dear friend Alison. These events were some of the most exhilarating experiences of her life.

She loved babies and children (especially her niece and nephews and their young families) and animals (her two cats and her two collie “nephews”). She was fascinated by weather forecasting, regularly texting local weather updates to family members. She was a Red Sox and Patriots fan and in more recent years, a professional soccer enthusiast.

In late life, Betsy became an avid birder. Using Cornell Labs’ Merlin app, she delighted in recording birdsong and learning to identify individual species. She was especially proud of her ability to identify from a distance one of her favorite avians, the elusive “Gray Ghost,”– aka the Northern Harrier, as he glided silently over the Great Marsh.

Betsy had a gift for connecting with people. Her personality was effervescent, her laugh infectious and her smile radiant. She had a marvelous sense of humor, a hot temper, a strong will, and a big heart. She enjoyed wonderful neighbors at One Merrimack Place, caring co-workers at Anna Jacques Hospital and many others who showed her kindness and friendship through the years. For the role which each played in enriching her life, for staying loyal through thick and thin, and for recognizing her special light - our family is deeply grateful.

Betsy is survived by her sister Virginia and brother Swift, niece Sara Roitman and nephews Alexander Roitman and Parker Barnes and their families, and by her extended family.

There will be no memorial service.

“Etiam in morte, superest amor.”

If inclined, a donation may be made in Betsy’s name to Tufts Medicine’s High Pointe House, under whose superb care Betsy spent her final few days. https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/giving/give-care-home

The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Ms. Barnes’ family with her arrangements.

To offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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