Mansfield Mourning Loss Of Former Mayor And 'Longtime Public Servant' Betsy Paterson

MANSFIELD, CT — Former Mayor Elizabeth "Betsy" Paterson, who served the town of Mansfield for 16 years, is being mourned following her death Oct. 17 at the age of 85.

Paterson died peacefully at her home in Mansfield, according to her obituary published by the Potter Funeral Home.

Said the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, "We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Betsy Paterson, a long-time Partnership leader and former Mayor of Mansfield.

"It is difficult to sum up in just a few words Betsy’s impact on our community through her nearly two decades on the Town Council, sixteen years as Mayor, and many years of volunteering with local organizations. She was instrumental in the formation of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership and in the redevelopment of Downtown Storrs. One of Betsy’s main goals through this work was to create a central, welcoming place for all Mansfield residents, so it is fitting that the Square bears her name and will continue to serve as a testament to her dedication to our town.

"We will miss her leadership and good guidance as well as her humor, frankness, and friendship. We extend our condolences to her family and friends."

A longtime public servant and community advocate, Paterson was elected mayor of Mansfield and served for 16 years. Her community involvement also included service on the Coventry Town Council, the Windham Hospital Foundation Board, Joshua's Trust and numerous volunteer organizations.

A lifelong Democrat, Paterson was passionate about politics, public service, her community and fairness, according to her obituary.

Said current Mansfield Mayor Ben Shaiken, "Betsy Paterson was a giant in Mansfield's present and future, a visionary who championed change that has transformed our community for the better. She understood that governing required patience and compassion, but also confidence and forward-thinking. It is hard to remember Mansfield without the changes she fought for like the construction of the Mansfield Community Center and Storrs Downtown, that is how important they have become to the fabric of our community. Leading with her example in mind is a goal all members of the Town Council strive for."

Former Mayor Toni Moran said, "She was a real leader and a mentor. As unassuming as she was, she played a major role in national organizations representing big and small towns, especially university and college towns. She was on the founding board of Sustainable CT and held important offices in the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.

"In her work at UConn in the financial aid and bursary office she helped hundreds of young people struggling to pay for their college education. And she baked trays and trays of cookies and brownies for first responders working Spring Weekend events. Creative, unstoppable and kind."

Paterson was an avid reader and regularly visited the Mansfield Public Library, which she supported both as a patron and through her work in local government.

Born and raised in Manchester, NH, Paterson was the daughter of the late William and Virginia Cain.

She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology, with Dean's Distinction, from Eastern Connecticut State University in December 1994 while working full time in the University of Connecticut's Financial Aid Department.

Memorial contributions may be made to Joshua's Trust, a local food pantry or a local library.

Burial will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The full obituary can be accessed here.