Elizabeth Davenport

Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Davenport, aged 65, died on November 21, 2022, at her home in Denver, CO. Betsy’s life was primarily oriented around the people that she loved—as a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, niece, cousin and friend, her passing is an unexpected loss felt by many.

To the delight of her parents, Edwin and Judy Havas, Betsy was born in Parsippany, NJ, on May 12th, 1957, (a fitting Mother’s Day arrival). Betsy was a kind and nurturing sister to her four younger siblings. Curious and intelligent from an early age, she also excelled in school, graduating first in her 8th grade class at St. Christopher’s. Betsy had diverse interests; in her teenage years, she worked as a lifeguard at the beach in Lake Parsippany, served as editor of a literary magazine at St. Elizabeth’s, and ultimately went on to study psychology at Seton Hall University.

Betsy met her husband, Jim Davenport while working at St. Clare’s in Denville. They married on September 26, 1981, and together, turned a summer cabin on Lake Hopatcong into a comfortable and thriving lakefront home for their four daughters. When Betsy wasn’t busy parenting (and she was always busy parenting), she was also an accomplished businesswoman—she and Jim built a real estate development business and they were frequently pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities, including building the Iron Carriage Antique Center in Dover.

Hardworking, playful, creative and adventurous, Betsy loved cooking, throwing parties, sewing, hosting exchange students, taking her kids to see Broadway musicals, boating and water-skiing, and being a Rotarian. Her elaborate Christmas morning productions were magical. More than anything, she cherished being a grandmother. Betsy also faced some of life’s greatest challenges and showed courage in navigating the messiest parts of personal growth and healing.

Betsy was preceded in death by her husband Jim, father Edwin, brother-in-law Norman, father-in-law James, and cousin Jack.  She is survived by her mother Judith, mother-in-law Nancy, Aunt Kathleen, siblings Mike, Mary-Claire, Jen, and Joe, daughters Cali, Maril, Megan, and Liz, sons-in-law Chris, Mack, and Kory, and granddaughters Stella, Cedar, Ellowyn and Sunny, and numerous beloved family members.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 2, from 1-3pm at Horan & McConaty in Denver, followed by a private gathering of family and loved ones.