Death od a Class Wife - Elisabeth M. Henifin - 19th Co

Elisabeth M. Henifin, devoted Navy wife December 1, 2020 Cape Gazette Elisabeth M. Henifin (Betsy), 88, completed her earthly mission Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. She lived her faith doing what was fair and just to her neighbor, remaining compassionate and loyal in her love, and never taking herself too seriously. She was the only child of David and Elisabeth Phillips of Philadelphia, Pa. The extended Phillips family loved to gather, celebrate and debate the issues of the day. Her views of the world were informed by the lively conversations and wide range of opinions expressed, occasionally loudly, during those family gatherings. After graduation from Upper Darby High School, Betsy traveled west to Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pa., where she sharpened her wit, masterminded countless adventures and found time to earn a BFA with a minor in English. While at Wilson she met U.S. Naval Academy midshipman Edward Henifin on a blind date and made him work hard to win her over. She finally gave in, despite his buzzard-like appearance (her description to her roommates which led to his nickname - Buzz - so lovingly bestowed), and his small-town midwestern upbringing (perhaps opposites do attract). They were married after graduation, and loyal in love, began a partnership that lasted a lifetime. Betsy assumed the role of Navy wife with all the perks - Buzz going to sea soon after Betsy gave birth to twins, Buzz being at sea when various cars broke down, appliances failed, roofs leaked, kids got into trouble, and the house smelling of diesel fuel on those occasions when Buzz did return from the sea. Betsy rose to the occasion, handling whatever came her way with creative problem solving and a great sense of humor. Perhaps not the textbook Navy wife - she found time to protest the Vietnam War while Buzz commanded a submarine patrolling the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Vietnam - she was the perfect wife for Buzz. The Navy took Betsy and Buzz across the country and up and down both coasts. Her roots would always be in Philadelphia, but she made great friends and significant community impact during her nearly 30 years in Alexandria, Via., and the last 20+ years in Fenwick Island. She loved being near the water. Raising three children while Buzz was busy seeing the world from under the sea became Betsy’s vocation. As the children grew she was able to pursue a number of opportunities, from teaching in a pre-school to editing technical publications for the U.S. Department of Energy to working in the Fairfax County mental health system to serving as a church secretary. Her passion, however, was volunteer service through her churches, Bush Hill Presbyterian in Alexandria, and Ocean View Presbyterian in Ocean View. Betsy served in many capacities over five decades, often focused on advancing mission efforts both locally and globally - Koinonia at Bush Hill and Water4 at Ocean View were two of the many organizations that benefited from her living her faith. She also spent countless hours advocating for improved mental health services. She was particularly proud of completing her Stephen’s Ministry training in her late 80s. Over the years she nurtured deep and meaningful relationships with many friends from Wilson College, church(s), the Navy, the neighborhood(s); Micker, Chalfy, Millicent, Carol, Mary, Jennifer, Cindy, Pam, Lil and The Usual Suspects of Fenwick Island, to name a few. Betsy was preceded in death by Buzz after 65 years of blissful marriage. Betsy is survived by her three children, Ann Reddick, David Henifin (Jeanne) and Ted Henifin (Pam); five grandchildren, David Reddick (Darlene), Elisabeth Francis (Chris), Cate Henderson (Caleb), Wells Henifin and Jimmy Henifin; four great-grandchildren, Monroe and Presley Reddick, Huntleigh Henderson, and Freyja Francis; and her cat Mittee. Mittee was the last in a long line of pets that fell into the honey pot when they moved into Betsy’s care. Special thanks to the care and support she received from the Rev. Terry Dougherty, Diane Willoughby and the staff of Delaware Hospice. A celebration of life will be held when COVID permits. Donations in Betsy’s memory may be made to support the mission work of Ocean View Presbyterian Church, Ocean View or Delaware Hospice. https://www.capegazette.com/article/elisabeth-m-henifin-devoted-navy-wife/212405 ...