Elizabeth C. “Betsy” Roak

Elizabeth C. Roak

Elizabeth C. Roak, known to her friends as Betsy, and Buzzy to her grandchildren, passed away on January 1, 2020. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert H. Roak, who passed away on December 30,2019. They lived their lives fully and inspired in the service of others and shared their love of family, country and church with all of us. They just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Betsy was born in Philadelphia on July 2, 1942, she was the daughter of Harrison H. Clement and Maida W. Clement. She had two siblings, a brother Harrison H. Clement Jr. and a sister who predeceased her, Maida C. Dent. Her early education was at the Agnes Irwin School and the Madeira School in McLean, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Education from Chestnut Hill College. Subsequently, she earned a Master’s degree with a concentration in Native American Studies from Wesleyan University. She was loyal, energetic, and always open to adventure especially if it involved Jakie, whom she married in 1963. His pursuit of self-fulfillment became her pursuit and together they chased dreams, across the country and across the pond. She saw the possibilities and opportunities inherent in every situation. She embraced change, experienced different cultures, forged friendships, learned foreign languages, climbed many mountains, and shared new experiences all while proudly raising three children. She was a pillar of strength who supported her husband, her family, and was always there for anyone in need. Professionally she was a teacher, administrator, and advisor, who built her academic and leadership credentials through extraordinary determination. She began her teaching career at Springside School, then onto St. Barnabas, Germantown. After moving to Connecticut she worked in admissions at the The Hotchkiss School, was the interim head of the Town Hill School, and the head of the middle school at Indian Mountain. As the head of the Rudd Reading Center at the Salisbury School and then as a learning specialist at the Baldwin School she was passionate about helping young struggling readers. Betsy infused everything she did with a soul of abundance, mission, and self-renewal. So rather than retire Betsy opted to ‘re-pot’ herself. Inspired by a friend, she wanted to complete a 550 mile trek on the Camino de Santiago. She dragged Jake into training and then off to Bilboa, Spain. Forty-three days later they arrived at the magnificent cathedral, Santiago de Compostella. Invigorated by their pilgrimage she joined Jake in retirement, enjoying free time with her family and friends, and doing good for others. Betsy’s abundant energy and diverse interests are reflected in charities she supported. She served on the Vestry of St. Paul’s Church, where she was a parishioner for almost 50 years. She taught at the Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard after school program and volunteered at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. She joined the board of directors of Face to Face, a multi-faceted social service organization in Germantown and The Female Association, which provides monetary relief to needy older women. Most recently she was very committed to successfully resettling refugees from the Republic of Congo. Betsy loved spending time connecting her extended family and was a bit of a family historian. She talked a lot, telling stories and laughing with her many friend groups including the Forget Me Nots. She never let facts get in the way of a good story but that was her charm. She was busy and often could be found donning a wetsuit to brave Maine’s chilly waters, walking everywhere, biking, playing tennis, taking up golf, reading a good book, quilting, enjoying time with her grandchildren, documenting events on her I-phone 5c and most of all delighting in life, side by side with ‘Lovie’. Together they advanced a family legacy and made a huge difference in the lives of their children and grandchildren. They will be missed. Betsy was a loving Mother to Christopher (Amy) Roak, Jennifer (Bruce) Edgerton, and Lisa (Michael) Budd and grandmother of Maddie Roak, Liv Roak, Rob Roak, Brodie Edgerton, Isabel Edgerton, Merrick Edgerton, Maida Budd, Charlie Budd and Patrick Budd. Relatives and friends are invited to Jake and Betsy’s Memorial Service, Friday January 10th at 2pm at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19118 and a reception in honor of Jake and Betsy following the service. Memorial gifts in honor of Betsy may be made to Face to Face Germantown, 123 E. Price Street, Philadelphia, PA