Betsy Chase Appleby

Mrs. Betsy Appleby (nee Chase) of Stratham, NH, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2018 at the age of 77. Betsy was born to parents Neal and Phyllis Chase on June 20, 1941 in Worcester, MA. She attended North High School in Worcester, MA; Nasson College in Springvale, ME; and the Worcester Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing where she earned her R.N. Degree. In 1965, she married James E. Appleby, Jr. of East Rochester, NH and they had two children.

Betsy worked her entire career in healthcare as a nurse in Keene and Manchester, NH and later as a case manager for home health care in Norwich, CT. Her selfless and caring attitude helped her patients and their families over her 4+ decades of service.

Throughout her life, Betsy stayed active in a variety of pursuits including the Appalachian Mountain Club, camping, skiing, and sailing with her husband as members of Portland Yacht Club. Spending time with family and her four grandchildren was also very important, especially attending their performances and sporting events in addition to baking and crafting with them. Her infectious sense of humor and outlook on a variety of things, from global events to elements of daily life, were always welcome.

Betsy was also an avid reader, knitter, and gardener who was active in the Exeter Area Garden Club as well as a variety of community book, knitting, and senior groups. She loved talking about the books she was currently reading and learning new knitting techniques and patterns from her cousin and friend Nancy Hunter.

Her rich and vibrant life was driven by her big heart and her ongoing desire to be helpful to others will be greatly missed.

Betsy is survived by Jim, her husband of 53 years; sister-in-law Jennifer Silberblatt of Rochester, NH; her children Kirsten Surprenant of Orford, NH and Matthew Appleby of Bend, OR; and four grandchildren, Cameron and Samuel Surprenant, and Norah and Lena Appleby.

Visiting hours will be held at the family home at 57 Stratham Green, Stratham, NH on Thursday, November 29, 2018 between the hours of 3 and 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Betsy to the Wiggin Memorial Library in Stratham, NH. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will take place in the spring of 2019.