Elizabeth (Betsy) Schott, 78

December 02, 2023

Betsy Schott, 78, of Lancaster, passed away on December 2, 2023, at Brethren Village after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer. Betsy had lived at 423 N. Charlotte St., Lancaster, PA for almost 40 years. Betsy was born 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald and Anne Schott (both deceased) of Lewisburg, PA.

Betsy had retired from H.P. Hood as a computer software developer after 15 years. Prior to that she had worked at R. R. Donnelley Printing for 19 years.

Betsy was a pioneering woman in engineering. She was a National Merit Finalist and was the first woman to receive a college scholarship from FMC. Betsy started her college career for two years at St Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Then she transferred to Purdue University where she was a rare woman in engineering and earned a BS in Industrial Engineer in 1966. At that time the honorary engineering society, Tau Beta Pi, did not honor women with full membership. In 2019 at their annual convention, Tau Beta Pi honored the women with full recognition. Betsy graduated from the Hoopeston High School (Illinois) in 1963.

Elizabeth was an active volunteer with several organizations: Greeter for the Anchor Breakfast program, tax preparer for over 20 years with VITA/TCE program, Democratic Party as committee person, and tutor with Lancaster Literacy Council. She also was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, the Lancaster Lions Club, and the Lancaster Downtowners Association. Her favorite place to visit weekly was the Lancaster Public Library; if they did not have the book, she sought, she would utilize the libraries of Franklin & Marshall and the Lancaster Theological College. Back in the day for many years, Betsy enjoyed walking with the Volksmarch Club.

Elizabeth was the oldest of nine children: Her siblings are William Schott (deceased), husband of Debbie of Kansas; Donald Schott husband of Diana of Colorado; Barbara Luther of Michigan; Mary Busch wife of John of Maryland; Helen Schott wife of Roger Larson of Wisconsin; Joseph Schott husband of Terry of Maryland; Nancy Schott of Lancaster, PA; and James Schott husband of Sara of Wisconsin. Also Betsy is survived by 15 nieces and nephews. Betsy traveled to Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Colorado, and Wisconsin to attend all their high school and college graduations as well as weddings. With her sisters Betsy traveled to Italy, Costa Rica, and China.

The family would like to thank the memory and skilled nursing units at Brethren Village as well as the Pink Team with Hospice and Community Care for their care of Betsy.

Services will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 31 S. Duke St., Lancaster 17602 on January 8, 2024, starting with greetings at 10:00 am in the Parish House Library, and service at 11:00 am in the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lancaster Public Library, 151 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603, or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.