Elizabeth Parkinson

Elizabeth J. "Betsy" Parkinson, 79, of Sheboygan, died on Monday, 3 October 2016 at Sheboygan Senior Community. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, 22 October, 10:30 am at First Presbyterian Church in Sheboygan.
Daughter of Henry and Claire (Gillett) McQueen, Betsy was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in the Detroit area. She graduated from Alma College in 1959 with a B.A. in Psychology and from University of Kansas in 1989 with an M.A in Social Work. Betsy married Graham Parkinson on 28 June 1980; he preceded her in death on 15 Aug 1993. She was previously married to James T. Robertson, Jr.
Betsy was a lifelong Presbyterian and practical theologian. She was a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church and was active in choir as long as she was able.
She was a world traveler, going all over the U.S including Alaska, the United Kingdom, Europe, South America, Caribbean Islands, Australia, New Zealand and twice on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. She loved seeing new places and meeting different people. She enjoyed driving long distances, flying, riding trains and taking cruises. For her, the journey was as important as the destination.
Betsy enjoyed singing, dancing, and performing on stage. She loved animals, especially cats and dogs, reading, flowers and gardening. She was known for her whimsy, curiosity, intelligence, humor, infectious laughter, compassion, and ability to burst into song and dance with the slightest song cue. Her family will miss her sense of fun and perspective, such as pointing out she was actually born north of Canada.
Betsy will be missed by two daughters, Wendy Robertson (Tim Weitzel) and Drue Robertson (Paul Onufrak); sister, Catherine McQueen; brothers John and Richard (Jackie) McQueen; sister-in-law Elmira (Hugh) McQueen; step children, Nancy Nahikian, Ellen Valentine and Graham Parkinson and their families, as well as by numerous cousins and friends.
Betsy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Graham; former husband, James; and brother Hugh.
Many thanks to the staff at Sheboygan Senior Community for their care and support.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Elizabeth J. Parkinson to the First Presbyterian Church of Sheboygan, or to Heifer International.