Obituary of Elizabeth P Nielson

Elizabeth P. Nielson passed away on February 22, 2023 at her home in Broomfield, CO after a long and brave battle with breast cancer.

Betsy was affectionately known as Buka to the people that loved her. Betsy was born on June 4, 1945 with her twin brother Bob, to parents Ralph and Ernestine Petering in St. Louis, Missouri. Betsy was kind and patient. She was an amazing artist. Above all, she was a wonderful mother.

Betsy attended Clayton High School and graduated in 1963. She was beautiful, outgoing and had many friends in high school. She was the captain of the cheerleading squad. She went on to receive her Art Education degree from the University of Kansas in 1967 and was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She married and lived abroad in Europe for close to 10 years after college.

Her children, Mike and Lindsey, were born in Orlando after she returned from Europe. Betsy found her home in Shalimar, Florida. She moved there with her family in 1992. She lived in Poquito Bayou for more than 20 years, living passionately and raising her children. This was her beloved home and neighborhood. She was often seen walking her dogs, kayaking, painting and working on projects to perfect her home.

Betsy found her cause in 2002. She founded a volunteer art program at Longwood Elementary that eventually grew to support Shalimar Elementary. This program received multiple appreciation awards from Okaloosa County. She found joy in inspiring children to pursue their artistic abilities. She managed this program for more than 10 years through diligence, hard work and the support of all of the volunteers that offered their time.

Betsy moved to Colorado to be close to her children and grandchild, Wallace in 2014. Becoming a grandmother was arguably the happiest time in her life. It is when her name changed from Buka to GramB. She loved her grandson Wallace with all of her heart. She spent her time in Colorado having adventures with him. GramB’s favorite adventure was working on art projects with Wallace.

Betsy is survived by her children, Mike and Lindsey Nielson; grandson, Wallace Nielson; daughter in law Ashley Nielson; her sister, Nancy P. Lissant and brother in law Keith Lissant; her twin brother, Bob Petering and sister in law Jane Petering; her niece and nephew, Robin and Brad Petering.

Memorial service will be held at Shalimar United Methodist Church on March 18th, 2023 at 11am followed by a reception.