Elizabeth “Betsy” Paterson, of Mansfield, CT, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 85.

Born and raised in Manchester, NH, Betsy was the beloved daughter of the late William and Virginia Cain. A dedicated and hardworking individual, she earned her bachelor's degree in sociology, with Dean’s Distinction, from Eastern Connecticut State University in December, 1994, while working full-time at the University of Connecticut Financial Aid Department.

Committed to her community and public service, Betsy was proud to be elected Mayor by the town of Mansfield for sixteen years as well as serving on the Coventry Town Council, the Windham Hospital Foundation Board, Joshua’s Land Trust, and numerous other volunteer positions. A lifelong Democrat, she was deeply passionate about politics, her community, and fairness for all. Betsy was also an avid reader and a weekly visitor to the Mansfield Public Library, which she supported as both a patron and local official.

She is survived by her loving family, including her sister, Susan McBeth, and her husband Robert; her son, Thomas Paterson, his wife Janet, and their children, Theresa, Tanya, Michael, and Jennifer; her daughter, Rebecca Putnam, her husband Timothy, and their daughter Amy; and her son, Stephen Paterson, his wife Chanthou, and their children, Avril, Madelin, and Thomas. She also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren who cherished their “Great-Gramma Paterson”; her former husband and friend, Thomas Paterson; her “other sons,” Aaron Paterson and his wife Kathleen, and Colin Paterson; and Martha O’Haver, her best friend of 81 years. She was predeceased by her siblings, William and Patricia.

In honor of Betsy’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to Joshua’s Trust, your local food pantry, or your local library.

Burial will be private, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.