Betsy J. Hugya

On July 4, 2022, Betsy Hugya of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, passed away peacefully at Villa Rosa Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.

 

Betsy was born on February 5, 1945, in Oak Hill , West Virginia. She was the second daughter born out of three, to the late Joseph and Carmen (Bowyer) Hugya.

Raised in Washington, DC and Cheverly, Maryland, Betsy graduated from Bladensburg Senior High school Class of 1963. After graduation, she worked for the Veterans Administration in Washington, DC, as an Administrative Assistant until 1991.

 

Betsy had a uniqueness about her. She was blessed with a creative imagination and artistic talent. She could design, draw, paint in oil or watercolor, sculpt, and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. She had a quick and clever wit, an elegance in her writing, and the ability to entertain in conversation. Betsy made friends easily, she loved children of all ages, animals, especially dogs.

She loved music and theatre. Her favorite song was “Send in the Clowns” performed by the lovely Millicent Martin. Millicent, her husband Marc, and Betsy adored each other over 45 years of beautiful friendship.  Millicent spoke to Betsy often and sang to her in her final days. Millie-you are special beyond compare.  Betsy enjoyed listening to and attending Judy Collins concerts with her little sister “Lizzie.”  She also loved Celine Dion on repeat albeit to the dismay of her dog Darby (and a few other family members.)

 

Betsy loved to travel. In the early 70’s, she made her first trip (of many) across the pond, to the home in her heart-England. Betsy enjoyed traveling solo and developed wonderful, long lasting friendships around the world. Norma Kitson, Jonathan and Bright Eyes; Toni Ashton; The Castle Losh crew-(Bunny, Jude, and Pippa and family); Vivienne; and Roy. These exceptional people became her family. These are 50 year friendships. Although England was her favorite, Northern Cypress was a close second internationally. During her stay with Maureen, we didn’t think she would ever return home, not wanting to pine after its splendor.

Domestically she loved New York City. The shows, the people, the Christmas windows, the shopping, the food-the electricity of it all. While in New York during in the mid 60’s, she met her closest, dearest, chosen sister, Arlene Konowitz. Betsy was becoming a weekender on Long Island at Arlene’s. Joining her backstage, as Arlene worked many broadway productions over the years. Betsy was in Heaven-give her a slice of pizza or a hotdog please. As time progressed, Betsy was unable to travel as she did due to illness. Her friendships endured long after the travel had to stop.

 

At home in Maryland, she also maintained long friendships.  Doris Lewis was a very special and loving friend for over 50 years. Kathy Linderman was a trusted friend and animal lover. Donna Wolfe, cat lover and neighbor, also held a special place in her heart as chosen family for 40 years. Lillian Brown and Betsy shared many a morning get together as good friends and celebrated many special occasions together. 

 

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Carmen, her brother-in-law, James (Moe) Marosy, and her three fur babies: Sugar, Wolfie, and Darby.

 

Betsy is survived by Sisters-Peggy Marosy and Connie Hugya; Nephews and Niece- Jim Marosy, Mike (Beth) Marosy, Dan (Debi) Marosy, and Carmen (James Greene) Milligan; Grandnieces and Grandnephew-Bryann (Richie King) Marosy, Amanda Marosy, Madison Marosy, Ben Marosy, and Delia Marosy; Great-Grandnephews-RJ King and Hunter King; Paternal Aunt-Ethel Levock; Paternal Uncle-Colonel John A. Hugya, USMC (Ret.)

 

Above all, Betsy was a fighter. She had a huge, generous heart.  She survived trauma and illness over much of her lifetime. She never gave up on life. She fought til the end.

God rest her soul. We love you Bets!

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to defray the cost of Betsy’s medical care to:

 

Villa Rosa Nursing Home

Attn: Business office/Isabel Pratt

3800 Lottsford-Vista Road

Mitchellville, MD 20721

301-459-4700

On MEMO line, please note “ Betsy Hugya”