Elizabeth Stuart North, beloved wife and mother, dead at 80
Elizabeth Stuart North, affectionately known as “Betsy,” was truly a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a devout follower of Jesus Christ. Her life was a testament to the Proverbs 31 description of a “wife of noble character.”
Born in Somerset, PA, to James Roy Stuart and Frances Lesesne Dornin, Betsy was raised on a beloved family farm alongside her two older sisters, Sally Hunt Stuart and Tait Stuart (Livingood). She went on to graduate from Pennsylvania State University in 1967 after attending Longwood College in Virginia. Betsy’s career began at the Hecht Company in Maryland, where she quickly rose to the position of retail sales manager.
It was during her time at the Hecht Company that Betsy met Midshipman Oliver L. North, who would later become her husband. Their love story began with a blind date arranged by one of Betsy’s salesclerks, Kathy Finneran. They were married on November 13, 1968, at the U.S. Marine Memorial Chapel in Quantico, Virginia. Together, they welcomed four children and built a life filled with love and devotion.
Betsy’s unwavering support for her family was evident in every aspect of her life. As a military wife, she navigated multiple moves and deployments, always ensuring her children had the best educational opportunities and a strong foundation of faith. She was a source of strength and stability during challenging times, including a period of intense media scrutiny and security threats.
Her love for horses and equestrian pursuits inspired her daughters to excel in their own endeavors. Betsy was a supportive and dedicated mother, always cheering on her children in their various sports and activities. She instilled in them a sense of resilience and determination, teaching them to never give up, no matter the circumstances.
In her final years, Betsy faced a rare, degenerative illness with grace and courage. Surrounded by her family and a team of dedicated caregivers, she passed away on November 16th, 2024. Her legacy of love, faith, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A funeral service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville, Va, on December 21, 2024, followed by interment at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, Freedom Alliance, or Church of Our Saviour, Oatlands.
Elizabeth Stuart North was a shining example of strength, grace, and love. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
