Betsy Birdsell

Betsy Birdsell passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, in Orlando, FL, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was 79 years old and passed due to complications from a stroke.

Betsy was the beloved wife of Raymond Birdsell, who preceded her in death in October 2021. They shared 38 wonderful years of marriage and built a loving blended family with five children:

Leeanne J. Bernstein (Aaron), Joseph Wesley Jeffries III (Jeffrey), Laura Lee Elston (Hal), Kim Booth (Chris), Randy Birdsell (Marianne)

She was a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother to:

Kristoffer A. Bernstein (Sarah), Virginia K. MacLean (Thomas), Shannon Birdsell (Chris)

Great-grandchildren:

Jaxson Haze Bernstein, Chloe H. MacLean, Claire E. MacLean

Betsy is survived by her brother, Chessie Rhodes (Cindy); her niece, Beth Scheeley (Clark); her nephew, Carl Rhodes-Ahern (James); and Audrey Rhodes, the wife of Betsy's father, Carl Rhodes. She was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Rhodes (Leigha & Katie) in 2018. Her Chincoteague family remained a beacon of love in her life.

Betsy’s love for her family was unwavering, inspiring all of us to live by the motto “Family First.” Whether known as Mom, Gramps, Grammie, or BJ, she was the heart and soul of our family.

A private family burial will take place at a later date in Fort Pierce, FL—a place Betsy and Ray cherished for its inlets and their beloved boat, the "Miss BJ."

In lieu of flowers, Betsy would have loved for friends and family to make a donation to their local animal shelter in her honor.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betsy Birdsell, please visit our floral store.