2007 In Memoriam: Betsy Laitinen

Betsy Laitinen, whom the Boston Globe described as an "indomitable advocate for those with disabilities," died in October at age 45. She worked the last 20 years helping ensure that people with disabilities could live independently, first at the Boston Center for Independent Living, then at Neighborhood Health Plan.

I met her back in the 1980s at BCIL, and she was a neighbor of mine for a few years in the Fenway before she got married to Peter Laitinen. She was socially graceful, smart, and down to earth. She was fun to work with.

In addition to her obituary in October, the Globe published an article about the trip she took with her friend Barbara Hantz to Hawaii in 2005.

The following appreciation is written by Liz Casey.

When Betsy Laitinen came into a room, all were touched by her warm hello, her steady manner and intelligence, and her ticklish wit.

Part of the independent living movement in its early days, she worked at BCIL for many years in many capacities. It was there she met her loving husband of 10 years, Peter Laitinen. After she experienced a stroke in 2001, Betsy fought her way back from a collapsed lung, and then endured the loss of Peter, all in the same year. The sustenance of family, friends, colleagues, and her home (and doggie), which Betsy maintained a deep commitment to, then had a chance to give back to her.

Over the last several years, Betsy held the rudder as Chairperson of the Board at Boston Community Medical Group, where she will be sorely missed. With a degree in business from Bentley College, she would sort out the details for those of us less inclined. And she would keep us laughing.

She also worked as a Standardized Patient Educator at Tufts New England Medical School, teaching medical students about disability awareness.

Watching Betsy the last night I visited with her, sharing a glass or two of Chardonnay, and having a howl over something or other with her niece and our PCAs, I thought "this woman seems indestructible". And now I know she is. Betsy's light is going to shine on us for many many years to come.