LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. – We lost one of a kind on May 2, 2025, when Betsey died as the result of complications from a stroke. She lived 79 full years and was active up to and including the day she fell ill.

Betsey grew up in North Conway, N.H., graduated from Kennett High School, and after one year of college married Hugh. A 60-year odyssey followed. While moving from Hanover to Durham, to Portland, to Jericho and back to Portland, she and Hugh had three daughters, Beth, Jen, and Tess, creating the family that was her full time focus.

In addition to the girls, dogs, flowers, reading and knitting were her outlets. Mutts, Newfies, and Doodles all enjoyed lengthy stays chez Farrington. Betsey was a skilled and creative person with a talent for making one of a kind knitted items that her loved ones cherished and an eye for fabulous flowers. Her extensive gardens in Falmouth were beautiful and were the focus of hours of labor and joy.

Family was always important. Weekly Sunday suppers in Maine saw 10-15 people spanning three generations of family and significant others gathering together for food and fun. In the winter months, Longboat Key, Fla. had a steady stream of these same family members seeking relief from Maine winters. She reveled in the exploits, adventures, and accomplishments of her children and her seven grandchildren and they, in turn, reveled in the exploits of their Minnie.

Betsey had a very active life and enjoyed a good competition. She was an avid skier in her youth and later played both tennis and golf. Fighting through several serious illnesses, she did Pilates, yoga,and other disciplines regularly. Although she would say she was not particularly social, she had a wonderful group of friends with whom she played Mah Jongg, canasta, and golf several times a week.

She leaves many wonderful memories and is sorely missed. As one grandson said, “She was one helluva woman”.