Betsy Joan Clarke (21 Feb 1935 - 2 Apr 2021)

Betsy Joan Clarke nee Watson, age 86 of Carlisle, a long-time resident of Derby, died Friday 2nd April 2021 at Derby City Hospital.

Betsy was born to Joseph and Mary in Cumbria. She was the youngest of five: Dorothy, Donald, Elsie and Thomas, sadly Thomas passed away before Betsy was born. She grew up on a farm in Cumbria with her siblings and Bess her dog. When she was 23, she moved to Stafford and worked for the Ministry of Defence. She met her husband Reg and they were married in 1959. They moved to Coventry and had their son Ian, after which they moved to Nottingham to run a pub. They chose to move once more and settled in Derby City, where her second child Jayne, was born. Betsy worked as a dinner lady at First Estate Primary School, while her children were at school. She also was a keen mathematician and enjoyed teaching maths evening classes. Betsy moved to The Dovedale’s flats, in Mickleover in 2003 and lived there for 18 years.

Betsy dedicated her life to Red Cross. She worked as a volunteer for over 40 years, in tracing and hand care. She received the Badge of Honour award for her hard work. As well as volunteering, Betsy and her family held annual coffee mornings to raise money for the British Red Cross and the Air Ambulance. With hot beverages, cakes, a raffle, a stall and massages to experience, her coffee mornings were a popular annual event at The Dovedale's.

Betsy loved her grandchildren: Tamarind, Jacaranda, Truman, Maisie and Harvey very much. A special memory for her, was a hot air balloon ride she was gifted for her 70th birthday. Her children and grandchildren followed her as she flew over Chatsworth house. Her face lit up when everyone ran up the hill to greet her as she landed.

Betsy loved to travel in the UK and around the world. She visited many countries including Canada to visit her daughter Jayne, studying there. Other favourite memories included Paris to see Disneyland, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and Iceland. She also travelled with her friends Jean Derbyshire and Janet Piper on numerous occasions. Likewise, she made regular visits to her friend Hellgard, in Germany. Helgard would come to visit Betsy in Derby, too.

Family and friends will gather at All Saints Church Mickleover and online for Betsy’s funeral, invitation only on Wednesday 28th April at 1pm. Family flowers only, at her funeral. Betsy’s cremation will follow at Markeaton Crematorium. Donations in Betsy’s memory; can be made to the British Red Cross or Air Ambulance at the funeral or from this webpage where you will be redirected to JustGiving.