I first met Betsy back in the late 60’s, introduced by our mutual friend Joe.  They had worked together years before and were so much alike: razor sharp wit with independence of mind to match.  If they set out to achieve something seemingly beyond their means, watch out, they would get it – or something home-grown that looked so much like the target that others could barely tell the difference.  I hope they’re working on a project now.  Love you, Betsy.

I first met Betsy in Jacksonville's Old Main Library, but really got to know her while hosting concerts in the New Main Library, beginning in 2006. Betsy volunteered to welcome concertgoers with the program guides, and the attendees began to look forward not just to the performances, but also to chatting with Betsy. 

Her early years in New York where molded by her Italian grandmother Emilia, who regularly took little Betsy to the Metropolitan Opera, and to see Toscanini at Carnegie Hall; music, especially opera, became a lifelong passion. In addition to moving around the country and Europe as a military wife and mother, Betsy's varied occupations included cabaret singer, the first female salesperson for a farm equipment manufacturer, an associate with the Smithsonian Institution, and a department manager for the City of Beverly Hills. After "retiring"  to Jacksonville, she worked with an interior design firm, and after really retiring, she gave music appreciation lectures in her retirement building. Betsy also was an active supporter of musicians with the Jacksonville Symphony.

Despite the sometimes brutal medical challenges of her last few years, Betsy never lost her sense of humor. Severe pain put her in the hospital this past Wednesday morning, but once the pain was  controlled it was like chatting with her in 2006. She passed peacefully in her sleep, happy and pain-free, which is the most any of us could hope for.   

Betsy requested that there be no formal services, but I know she'd love it if you raise a glass in her memory. She also requested that there be no tears shed for her, because she had lived a full and happy life, and was ready to reunite with her dearly departed friends and family. So these inevitable tears are not for her, but for ourselves at the loss of someone truly unique, beloved, and unforgettable.

I met Betsy through my dear friend Rick..and we became good friends from that day until now.  I will miss our Thursday morning conversations from the Roanoke airport.  They were fun filled - informative and always enjoyable.  I salute you my dear friend, and may you rest be one of great peace.  Ray Lawson

I send thoughts of peace to Betsy's family.

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin

Elizabeth Ferraro

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Elizabeth "Betsy" J. Ferraro

May 11, 1935 – November 8, 2019

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

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