Elizabeth "Betsy" Nicholson MacManus

Elizabeth Nicholson MacManus passed away peacefully on May 21, 2024 at the age of 97. Elizabeth, known to most as Betsy, was born February 1, 1927 in Durham, NC. Her parents, Sterling Johnston Nicholson and Mary Stagg Nicholson raised their five children at the family home in Durham, NC. She graduated from Saint Catherine’s School in Richmond, VA and later attended Duke University. In 1948, she married Frank E. MacManus at Duke Chapel in Durham. After a brief stay in NC, Frank’s occupation took him north to Boston, MA and then to Pelham, NY. In 1956 the young couple took on the renovation of a circa 1895 fieldstone carriage house on the Bolton Priory Estate. Once gutted and remodeled it provided a unique home for the family of five. Divorced in 1974, Betsy worked as a Realtor and later served as Community Director of The United Way of Pelham and Secretary to the Pelham Rotary and Civic Association. She was a member of Christ Church and Huguenot Memorial Church, respectively. She often volunteered with the group Midnight Run by preparing meals and delivering them to the needy and homeless. In 1997 Betsy returned to the North Carolina mountains that she had known and loved as a child. She chose Asheville as her new home, the perfect place to enjoy retirement and be near her daughter and grandchildren. When she wasn’t gardening or working on a needlepoint project, she was baking her famous Cowboy Cookies to share with everyone. Visits from family and friends were always welcome. As a member of First Presbyterian Church, she continued supporting the community as a volunteer at A-HOPE (Homeward Bound). Later Betsy moved to Deerfield Retirement Community where she enjoyed many new adventures, friendships and activities. She and her dear friend, Dale Wykoff spent many active years together socializing, dining with friends, and exploring near and far, or as far as an afternoon drive would take them. Betsy is survived by her brother, Henry Nicholson, and wife Miriam Nicholson. Her son Frank E. MacManus and Wendy Fuchs. Daughters, Mary E. MacManus and Gwynne MacKay and husband John MacKay. Seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. Her grandchildren and family fondly know her as BeBe. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Homeward Bound (homewardboundwnc.org)

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Elizabeth "Betsy" Nicholson MacManus

February 1, 1927 - May 21, 2024