Obituary: Elizabeth ‘Betsey’ Mills, 66, of Wallingford

Information and photo via Wallingford Funeral Home

Elizabeth “Betsey” Mills died December 16, 2018. She was born on August 13, 1952 in Meriden, CT to Robert and Dorothy Mills. She grew up in Wallingford, CT, attending Mercy High School. From an early age, Betsey shared a love of literature with her mother. Fueled by a fierce curiosity, she was an avid reader from an early age. As she grew older, Betsey developed a passion for writing and poetry. Betsey was endlessly curious about other cultures, and she enjoyed traveling. One of the happiest periods of her life was when she taught and resided in Alsace-Lorraine and Colmar, France. For the rest of her life, she loved the French language and French cooking.

Following her graduation from Albertus Magnus College in 1974, Betsey worked in various positions as an editor and teacher, at the Wesleyan University Press and at the University of Iowa.

In 1984, she found her professional home at the Southwest Review as Managing Editor, the third oldest continuously published quarterly in the U.S. At the Southwest Review, Betsey edited and published works of authors ranging from Joyce Carol Oates to John Cage. She especially found purpose in works that evoked themes of social injustice and human rights. In 1996, she became Senior Editor and Director of Development at the Southwest Review until her retirement in 2004. Her colleagues described Betsey as “an invaluable ally, co-worker, and eagle-eyed editor, who was always polite but did not suffer fools easily.”

Even beyond the Southwest Review, Betsey was nationally recognized for her knowledge of literature and poetry. She served two terms on the Board of Directors of the National Book Critics Circle, chairing the Poetry Committee. At the NBCC, Betsey argued strongly for the poet Marie Ponsot to receive the award for poetry, which it did in 1998, and Betsey was proud of bringing a new level of attention to a poet whose work she enjoyed.

In 2004, Betsey became significantly affected by multiple sclerosis and retired from the Southwest Review. She was honored by being named editor emerita. In spite of the physical devastation caused by the multiple sclerosis, Betsey remained upbeat, always dreaming about foreign travel, always passionate about literature and poetry, and always a support for her friends. She provided great comfort to her father in later years. Her father calls her the bravest person he ever knew. Working with her brother, TJ, she used her translation skills to assist refugees seeking protection in the United States. At every stage of her life, Betsey continued writing essays and poetry and also wrote a children’s book for her nephew, Max.

Betsey is survived by her father, Robert Mills, her siblings Robert Mills, Thomas (TJ) Mills, Jane Mills, and John Mills, and her nephew, Maximilian Mills-Wren. She was predeceased by her mother, Dorothy Mills; and her sister, Sarah Ann Mills.

Gifts in her memory may be sent to the Inglis House, 2600 Belmont Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19131.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.