Betsy was a strong, independent woman who lived life on her terms. She was great at remembering your birthday or finding that perfect little gift that was just right for you! Her beautiful baby blue eyes would shine when she greeted you.

– 82 years old- Born August 26, 1936 in Washington DC- Passed on July 5th, 2019 in Falls Church, Virginia

Elizabeth Eakin Walsh of McLean, Virginia passed on peacefully with family by her side at INOVA Hospital. The sudden onset of “Hashimoto encephalopathy” was the final diagnosis of her death (a rare diagnosis that is often classified as probable autoimmune encephalitis).

Jock & Betsy

A lifetime Washingtonian – She grew up in Falls Church, Virginia and during her late teenage years, the family moved to Washington DC.  After getting married, she moved to Arlington and then McLean, VA. She also lived in Great Falls for a while. However, approximately 50 years of her time was spent in five different homes in McLean, Virginia.

As a homeowner, whenever possible, she enjoyed fixing up, renovating or designing most of the homes she lived in prior to moving into them.Betsy – as she very much preferred to be called- was the second of five children. She was fond of her Falls Church upbringing on Broad Street where she could walk to school, Brown’s General Store up till 1949 (now a Hardware store) and The State Theater (she would share how she remembered that the theater was the first place to get air conditioning around 1950!). She also enjoyed her final teenage years in their home on Foxhall Road in Washington DC.She graduated from Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in 1954. In 1956, she earned an Associate in Applied Science degree from Bennett Junior College located about 50 miles due north of New York City.

After a wonderful graduation gift – an 80-day cruise tour on the Queen Mary throughout Europe, she settled back in the Washington DC area. One of her first jobs was with the National Geographic. In the late 50’s she would meet Raymond Vincent Walsh of Long Island, New York and was soon married. She had two sons Jeff Walsh (1960) and Tim Walsh (1964). She divorced in 1973 and moved to a townhouse within easy walking distance to downtown McLean. A variety of different work experiences in Washington DC or within the Northern Virginia area kept her busy during the professional years.

Outside work, rarely, could you find a bigger Washington Redskins Fan (60-year season ticket holder!) who also enjoyed playing many other sports when growing up and following or watching them in her later years. To name a few… She rode horses, played softball, basketball and tennis growing up and enjoyed following horse racing, tennis, baseball and especially watching the NFL games while avidly following her beloved “Skins” via live games or through newspapers/TV broadcasts, Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation events or even occasional visits to Redskins Park (their training facility).

Betsy was also known as an avid animal lover. She raised different kinds of cats and dogs over the years including a parakeet. Some were homeless and found a new home with her. She often had unique animal stories to share when asked. She often donated to many animal safety and preservation groups like the Fairfax County and The Humane Society of the United States, Friends of the National Zoo, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to name a few. Her final home of 12 years was located in The Palladium At McLean. She once wrote that her condo is “the perfect location to live….I don’t foresee moving again from this excellent spot any time soon!”

This website has been created to allow family and friends to share stories, memories and condolences. You will find the “Condolences” section below and the ability to share a story under “Share a Memory” tab above. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial contribution be made in her name to The Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Her grandfather, LeRoy Eakin Sr., donated the first park to Fairfax County!https://fairfaxparkfoundation.org/about-fcpf/board-and-staff/tim-eakin-walsh/

Donation Link : https://fairfaxparkfoundation.org/donate-2/

A Celebration of Life Service for Betsy and her friends and family will be held September 21, Saturday at 3 PM at the McLean Community Center at 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101. A reception and dinner immediately following (approximately 4 PM) will be held at J.Gilbert’s Restaurant at 6930 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101 (less than ½ mile away). Please RSVP For Reception.

Betsy was a strong, independent woman who lived life on her terms. She was great at remembering your birthday or finding that perfect little gift that was just right for you! Her beautiful baby blue eyes would shine when she greeted you.

– 82 years old- Born August 26, 1936 in Washington DC- Passed on July 5th, 2019 in Falls Church, Virginia

Elizabeth Eakin Walsh of McLean, Virginia passed on peacefully with family by her side at INOVA Hospital. The sudden onset of “Hashimoto encephalopathy” was the final diagnosis of her death (a rare diagnosis that is often classified as probable autoimmune encephalitis).

Jock & Betsy

A lifetime Washingtonian – She grew up in Falls Church, Virginia and during her late teenage years, the family moved to Washington DC.  After getting married, she moved to Arlington and then McLean, VA. She also lived in Great Falls for a while. However, approximately 50 years of her time was spent in five different homes in McLean, Virginia.

As a homeowner, whenever possible, she enjoyed fixing up, renovating or designing most of the homes she lived in prior to moving into them.Betsy – as she very much preferred to be called- was the second of five children. She was fond of her Falls Church upbringing on Broad Street where she could walk to school, Brown’s General Store up till 1949 (now a Hardware store) and The State Theater (she would share how she remembered that the theater was the first place to get air conditioning around 1950!). She also enjoyed her final teenage years in their home on Foxhall Road in Washington DC.She graduated from Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in 1954. In 1956, she earned an Associate in Applied Science degree from Bennett Junior College located about 50 miles due north of New York City.

After a wonderful graduation gift – an 80-day cruise tour on the Queen Mary throughout Europe, she settled back in the Washington DC area. One of her first jobs was with the National Geographic. In the late 50’s she would meet Raymond Vincent Walsh of Long Island, New York and was soon married. She had two sons Jeff Walsh (1960) and Tim Walsh (1964). She divorced in 1973 and moved to a townhouse within easy walking distance to downtown McLean. A variety of different work experiences in Washington DC or within the Northern Virginia area kept her busy during the professional years.

Outside work, rarely, could you find a bigger Washington Redskins Fan (60-year season ticket holder!) who also enjoyed playing many other sports when growing up and following or watching them in her later years. To name a few… She rode horses, played softball, basketball and tennis growing up and enjoyed following horse racing, tennis, baseball and especially watching the NFL games while avidly following her beloved “Skins” via live games or through newspapers/TV broadcasts, Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation events or even occasional visits to Redskins Park (their training facility).

Betsy was also known as an avid animal lover. She raised different kinds of cats and dogs over the years including a parakeet. Some were homeless and found a new home with her. She often had unique animal stories to share when asked. She often donated to many animal safety and preservation groups like the Fairfax County and The Humane Society of the United States, Friends of the National Zoo, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to name a few. Her final home of 12 years was located in The Palladium At McLean. She once wrote that her condo is “the perfect location to live….I don’t foresee moving again from this excellent spot any time soon!”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial contribution be made in her name to The Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Her grandfather, LeRoy Eakin Sr., donated the first park to Fairfax County!https://fairfaxparkfoundation.org/about-fcpf/board-and-staff/tim-eakin-walsh/

Donation Link : https://fairfaxparkfoundation.org/donate-2/

A Celebration of Life Service for Betsy and her friends and family will be held September 21, Saturday at 3 PM at the McLean Community Center at 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101. A reception and dinner immediately following (approximately 4 PM) will be held at J.Gilbert’s Restaurant at 6930 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101 (less than ½ mile away). Please RSVP For Reception.

1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101

6930 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101

CONDOLENCES

Thank you for being a part of Betsy’s life. Please leave a message for the family below. 

CONDOLENCES

Thank you for being a part of Betsy’s life. Please leave a message for the family below. 

  • Jay and Sharon Adams says:

    The BEST — God bless her !!!!!!

  • Bryan Payne says:

    She was more of a Mom to me then my biological one. She treated me like a son and was the most Amazing woman. I am so honored to have had her in my life for over 12 years. She was a Remarkable, Spoke her mind, Sweet, and Caring person. I will Never Forget you and Miss you sooo much. I Love You (Mom).
    Bryan

  • Belinda Gomes says:

    I loved our dear Betsy. She was such a wonderful friend! Her love of music and animals and Redskins was infectious !!! My memories of her will last my lifetime. She truly shared her heart with me and I with her. I miss her. God bless Tim and Jeff and families. What a blessing to have shared such a doll as Betsy with me.

  • Askin Altiparmak says:

    Tim and Jeff,
    Betsy was and will always be special, she was like a mother to me when I was living in the US.
    I will always remember her beautiful blue eyes, her charming/cheerful welcoming.
    I am deeply sorry for her loss.

  • Parvane eftekhari says:

    What a great lady….

  • Sandra Omelian says:

    A lovely client and friend for many years, she will be missed by all of us, especially those smiling, beautiful blue eyes.

    • Tim says:

      Thank you to you and the whole crew for taking such great care of her over the many years!! She loved hanging out with you all. Glad to know you can make it Saturday!

  • Mimie Marum says:

    Betsy was a joy to be around, so cheerful and fun loving. I will remember her sitting at the bridge table. Those were great days !

  • Betty Ann Crovato says:

    Nearly all of my memories of Betsy are of joy. They involve laughing and good times. My heart is filled with beautiful memories too numerous to mention. I have a treasure trove stored in my heart. To say that she is missed is truly an understatement. ❤️🌈

    • Tim says:

      We look forward to hearing some of those “treasure trove” of stories on Saturday! What a wonderful friend you have been over the many decades!

  • Andy and Britt-Marie Paul says:

    Tim, Britt-Marie and I became neighbors with Betsy in 1988 when we moved in to our town house in
    Kings Manor in McLean. Imagine our pleasant pleasant surprise when we became neighbors again almost 20 years
    later when we moved to the Palladium. We recognized her immediately from her smile and friendly
    welcome, things we remember about her. We had great times sitting outside Starnut at Saturday cocktails
    talking about the Redskins and the other more important things in life. We will miss her..

    Andy and Britt-Marie

  • Bo (Bodil) Berliner says:

    I am so very sad to learn about Betsy’s passing. We go back a very long time!! Since I moved to Texas we kept in touch via phone and when visiting Va. we always met for lunch. She will be in my thoughts forever. Miss you Betsy.
    Bo

    • Tim says:

      Thank you for your message….Sorry your plans had to change and that you won’t be able to join us on Saturday. Stay well and best thoughts always.

  • Margaret Sullivan Barney says:

    Fond memories of our Visitation days ! Positively YES, to celebrate Betsy’s beautiful life. Your whole family will be in my prayers.

  • Ginny Kilroy McKaig says:

    My sincere condolences to Betsy’s family. I was a classmate of Betsy’s at Visitation and thought she was one of our outstanding students. I did not return to the Washington area until 1976 but loved seeing Betsy at our reunions. She will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Edie Alexander says:

    Betsy was a lovely and charming lady. I will miss her friendly smile at the Palladium. May her memory be for a blessing.

  • Ron Raines says:

    Betsy was a wonderful Guiding Light fan and let bed my character Alan Spaulding. I remember meeting her at several GL events and concerts when I sang in DC area. She was always smiling and filled with life. Rest In Peace dear Betsy.

  • Mary Pat Shea Gaffney says:

    Thanks so much, Tim, for your care and support of Betsy. She often spoke of you, Jeff and family. I was saddened to receive your email this morning and had been looking forward to coming over to McLean to visit & perhaps bring lunch, when she was feeling better. Betsy was a dear friend from High school on, & we had some fun times over the years. I will miss her greatly. My deepest sympathy and my condolences to you and all the family, Mary Pat

    • Tim says:

      She loved hearing about the Georgetown Visitation reunions and updates you gave her about the classmates over the years especially when not being able to attend them in later years. You have been such a great friend over so many years…..thank you for your love and support!!

  • Paul Vickers says:

    I always loved Betsy. I remember regularly going to Tim’s house after school on Fridays (often with Danny, Tom, &/or Mike), and Betsy would come home from work and just talk with us. It was so clear that we mattered to her…everyone did! She always put people first, and this world needs so many more people like dear Betsy Walsh! I miss having her nearby, even if I haven’t been in her physical presence for many years. She was a beautiful person!
    Love, Paul Vickers (Tim’s friend of over 40-years)

  • willem struben/henny van leeuwen says:

    What a loss. A strong woman with strong opinions, good sense of humor and always a laugh. Lots of invitations to her Palladium place, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, with great food and drinks, as well, of course, music. Always music. She will be badly missed. Love, Willem and Henny

    • Bryan Payne says:

      She loved Bon Jovi.
      Always had music going. And all of her plants.

    • Tim says:

      You summed it up perfectly…..yes, music, always music!! She loved socializing with you both….you know when she keeps your favorite beer in the refrigerator just for you then she really appreciates you!! 🙂
      Hopefully, Europe is treating you both well!

  • Nancy Ames says:

    Betsy (Betz / Metzel Taken – and many other pet names I had for her) was my treasured friend ever since the family lived on Foxhall Rd. I followed both Sue Sue and Betsy to Bennett and Betz and I kept up with each other over all the ensuing years…..relishing our visits that always just picked up where we’d left off. Danny joins me in shared sorrow for this deeply impactful loss and our prayers and love are with all of you, her beloved family and friends.

    • Jo Ann Hetherington says:

      Nancy dear, why does it take a lose like this to bring some of us together again. I’m living in NC (Wilmington) near my oldest, Cynthia. We have four generations here so aside from being entertaining, it’s kept me on my toes. How I would love to see you again and enjoy that laugh that always made me laugh as well. My love to you my old friend. Hugs

      Didn’t you love Jocks picture array.

    • Tim says:

      A very true friend is one where you “always pick up [from] where you had left off” and nothing else is different between you!!! Thank you for always being a very long and true friend of hers!!!

  • Brenda Fisher says:

    I always loved conversations with your Mom! She had a beautiful smile and enjoyed laughter! And she always had a way to bring that laughter into all of the folks around her! Her absence will be felt deeply by all who knew her.

  • Vinny Hinders says:

    Betsy will always have special place in my heart. She treated me like a son and always cared. She will be greatly missed.

  • Margaret Thaxton says:

    Tim and Ayda,

    I’m so very sorry about the loss of your mom. She was a great woman who truly impacted many people’s lives. Best,
    Margaret

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