HAMPDEN and Texas – Elizabeth “Betsy” DeLavega, 64, lost her courageous battle with cancer Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at her home in Texas. Betsy was born Oct. 1, 1947, in Falmouth Foreside, the only child of Elmer and Mary Coombs – unless you count their Labrador, Daisy … which they did – and grew up in Hampden.
She was born at a neighbor’s house because her mother was told “first babies don’t come quick” and they waited too long before calling the ambulance. Her mom was a school teacher/tutor and very active in civic functions. Betsy’s dad always sent her Maine apples to share with friends and co-workers. Her dad ran a tire store and once helped out a farmer by taking a pig in trade for two tires. The Coombs family ate “high on the hog” for months. Betsy was valedictorian of her high school class, graduating in 1965. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, a master’s degree from the University of Indiana, and a paralegal degree from Southern Methodist University. Betsy was fluent in Spanish, which she put to good use while living in Mexico and traveling in Europe during college as part of a study abroad program. She spent most of her time in Spain and France. Betsy was an avid reader of mysteries, enjoyed music with a special fondness for the Kingston Trio, was a Cowboys fan, and loved attending high school football/basketball games. In recent years she took trips to Florida, Kentucky and Las Vegas with Susan, Patty and Kelly. The great loves of her life, besides Ken and his family, were her current cats, Molly and Grace, as well as numerous other cats that she raised and lost during her lifetime. Word quickly spread in the neighborhood what a softie Betsy was for all animals which is how she ended up feeding every bird within a five mile radius of her house as well as the occasional possum! A baby possum kept coming in the house and really wanted to stay but the cats firmly vetoed that idea. Betsy’s personal favorite time in her life was being co-owner of Ken’s Backyard Barbeque. It was hard work but she said she had so much fun and always had wonderful food to eat. Betsy was a longtime employee of both Butler Paper and Rooms To Go.
Betsy was predeceased by her parents. She will be greatly missed by her friends, Ken Carlisle and his family, Marcy and David of New York, Nancy of Maine, and Susan, Kristi, Glenn, Peggy, and the other employees at Rooms To Go.
Graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at Lakeview Cemetery, Hampden, beside her parents. Those who wish to remember Betsy in a special way may send gifts in her memory to the American Cancer Society, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor.