NORTHBOROUGH, MA ONEIDA, NY Betsy J. (Gleason) Rothman, 61, passed away on February 8, 2019, at the UMass Memorial Medical Center- University Campus, after a period of declining health. Betsy was born in Oneida, NY, a daughter to James C. and Barbara H. (Machold) Gleason, attended Oneida High School, and SUNY-Brockport graduating in 1980. Betsy worked for the former Dennison Manufacturing company where she proved herself highly successful in sales and marketing prior to dedicating her time to the raising of her daughter, Katie. Betsy became certified in elementary special education and for several years worked at the Marion E. Zeh School in Northborough as well as tutored numerous children; her impact on children's lives was immeasurable. She made friend wherever she went and was known for her big heart and ability to always offer a "lending hand" at a moment's notice without ever expecting anything in return. She loved traveling, the Christmas Season, and listening to music. Above all, her family took precedence. Betsy is survived by her loving husband of 24 years, Ronald M. Rothman; her cherished daughter, Katie A. O'Mara of Northborough; her mother, Barbara H. (Machold) Gleason of Palm City, FL; a brother, James C. Gleason of Saratoga, NY and many extended family and friends. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 13th, from 5-8pm, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A funeral Mass and burial will take place in Betsy's hometown of Oneida, NY on Saturday, February 16th. Please visit Betsy's Book of Memories at www.HaysFuneralHome.com for more information, or to leave a condolence. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FAMILY REFLECTIONS OF BETSY As Betsy's Family we wanted everyone to know a little more about the women we called daughter, mom, wife and friend. She was vibrant in her life and cherished everyday. Her positive nature and profound energy made being with her all that more special. We cannot believe she is gone and miss her more than any words can describe. Being someone who was so full of life makes losing her so hard because it does not seem possible. We want to celebrate her life and share our loving thoughts and memories with all of those who knew and miss her. Nan always told me "your mom is the best daughter there is." When mom passed away Nan called to God out loud saying "Lord, I'm 84 years old why did you not spare my beautiful daughter and take me." Nan also made sure to tell me to make sure to include how kind mom was. Mom always loved her mother unconditionally. They spoke most everyday sometimes for hours on end. As many of you know Mom loved the phone since high school. Nan always said that her dad would have to constantly scold her for staying on the phone for too long growing up. The biggest punishment for Betsy was having the phone taken out of her room. Almost unbearable to her. Growing up Betsy was outgoing, kind and loving to her family and peers. She never failed to make sure that everyone around her was well cared for. When Nan and Pop got older and were living in Florida part time, she made sure the other part was spent with us in Northborough. Every meal was made, every room was cleaned and every member of our family given unmatched care. Mom was devastated when her Dad passed away but she continued to care for her Mom. Her and her mother had an unbreakable bond. She never failed to ensure even when she was sick that her mom was taken care of. Always remembering to send her gifts at every birthday and holiday. Mom felt very bad that she could not be with her mother over the past few years constantly taking about wanting to see her mom and missing her more than words can express. Unfortunately, Mom's lingering illnesses did not allow mom to go back to Florida to see Nan one last time. Betsy and Nan always knew how much each loved the other and now mom is waiting with her Dad in heaven till they are reunited with Nan but for now she will continue to make sure her mother is looked after from heaven. I don't even know how to start to describe the incredible bond that my Mother and I had for each other. My Mom was my world and held a very special place in my life. A piece of my heart went with her to heaven and my earth has fallen apart. She was not just my mom but by inspiration and best friend. I spent 31 years of my life with her physically or taking to her at least once a day. In college I tried to be cool and tell her I didn't want to talk to her everyday only to call her 5 times the following day. Mom knew all my secrets, hopes and dreams. She held me when I was sick, rocked me when I was sad and never failed to comfort me with the perfect words. I can't believe she is gone, 31 years was not nearly enough. Even though it was not enough time the time we shared was amazing. We traveled the world, went on amazing adventures and thoroughly enjoyed being side by side. When mom got sick it was only natural to care for her the way she did me. I quit my job and moved home because my mommy needed me the way I had needed her for previous 29 years. I held her when she was sick, I cried for her to get better, I comforted her when she was sad and let her go when it was her time because she was in so much pain. I wanted to be selfish because a life without her seems unbearable, but I knew my mama needed to go to heaven and be with her Dad who she missed so much. I told her 1 million times how much I loved her and how sad I was to see her go but that her memory was in my heart forever where it will always be. She always quoted a book from my childhood that repeated over and over "I love you forever, I love you for always, As long as I am living my baby you will be." -Robert Munsch That quote could not be truer except I will always be your baby mom and I will forever be your daughter. Betsy's first major hospitalization was on Christmas Eve 2014. Her illnesses prior to that had finally started to catch up with her. She was in the hospital for Christmas and New Year's that year. Over the next four plus years she has been hospitalized about 30 times. Through it all, Betsy remained positive and without exception always put her mom, Katie and me first. As the months and years went on, she was unable to do much of what she used to do. She remained upbeat and positive and always had a smile on her face. Many of you did not know how sick Betsy was. She did not want any of her friends to see her so sick. After every hospitalization she came home and made progress toward being her old self again. Unfortunately, she would go back in the hospital and all that gain was lost. Just three weeks ago, Betsy walked with minimal assistance from our room to Katie's. She was looking forward to outpatient physical therapy in the coming weeks. But then, she went into the hospital for the last time. Betsy wrote a Christmas card to me in 2014 while in the hospital. Betsy wrote, "You do realize…" I wouldn't change a thing- Not one second… Not one syllable… Not one smile or sorrow Of all we've shared Over the past 20 years. Maybe life has changed us a bit. But not one thing I've loved about you Since the beginning Has ever changed. Your eyes still see So deep into my soul… Your smile still lifts my spirits… Your arms still make me feel Secure and loved. You are the love of my life, and nothing can change how much I need you- how much I'll always love you. She went on to write, "I love you. I'm scared Ron, so scared. I know you and Kate will be by my side if anything did happen. I know we have had good times and we have had our rough times. We live through it - Don't we? We are a team - The "R" team! Here we go again! Like the Dolly Parton song. This time it is me. P.S. I can't wait to go away to warm weather, the ocean and sun. Oh my-" I miss her so much! Betsy was a wife like no other. Many spouses would curl up into a ball when they learned that their husband had stage IV prostate cancer. Not Betsy. She got on the internet and came up with a novel treatment that Sloane Kettering was using with much success. She presented the treatment to my oncologist at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. They refused to give me the treatment, so Betsy threatened to take her case to TV, radio and . Dana Farber finally gave in and I am here today cancer free 18 years later because of her persistence, love and care. She never gave up. I owe her my life. I miss her so much! Betsy was in the top tier of sales professionals. Over my career as a product manager, I have worked with thousands of sales people. I can count the best on one hand. She was the best of the best. Top sales people can work any compensation plan to their advantage and rake it in. Betsy was no exception. She figured out that if she sold the machines, I was the product manager for, she would get a high commission on a high dollar item. This would get her into the pay multiplier bracket and the commission took off. Her ability to understand the customer's needs and address these needs with one of my products is what attracted me to Betsy. She took the time to learn the product line while most sales folks did not. Others thought the sell cycle was too long and not worth wasting their time. She would come into my office and hound me for a better price. She was relentless., She never gave up. I finally gave in and figured I had better take her out because she was so smart and making a lot of money. Her beautiful personality and looks didn't hurt either. I miss her so much! Mom we love and miss you more than you can imagine. Watch over us and we will be together in heaven again one day. Service Details. Visitation When Wednesday February 13, 2019 5:00pm - 8:00pm Location Hays Funeral Home Address 56 Main Street Northborough, MA 01532