Elizabeth Garfield

Elizabeth 'Betsy' Garfield, 80, of Clearwater Florida, who lived in Chicago for most of her life, passed away peacefully at her home in Clearwater on June 24, 2025.

Born on July 26, 1944, in Chicago Illinois, Betsy was the daughter of the late Nathan Goldman and the late Echo Loeb Goldman.

Betsy was a graduate of Senn High School in Chicago and the University of Cincinnati. Throughout her life, Betsy exemplified a spirit of generosity and compassion. She dedicated herself to supporting numerous Jewish causes and the State of Israel, reflecting her deep-rooted values and commitment to her heritage. She was a member of Temple Ahavat Shalom in Palm Harbor.

Betsy's professional career as a stock broker in Chicago showcased not only her intellect and determination but also her desire to empower others through financial success. Later, Betsy studied and worked on computer programming.

Beyond her career, Betsy was an avid reader. Coming of age in the 1960's in Chicago, she was a hippie at heart and a devoted fan of the folk music scene during that time, at the Earl of Old Town. Later in life, she developed a love for playing Mahjong, often gathering with friends for lively games that became special moments filled with laughter and connection. In later years, she embraced her passion for travelling the world and exploring new cultures and enriching her life experiences.

Betsy is survived by her loving son, Max Garfield, and his wife, Heidi. She took immense pride in her role as a grandmother to Kinley and Orly, imparting her wisdom and warmth to the next generation. She will miss terribly seeing them grow up. Alongside them, she leaves behind many other beloved family members and friends, including step-sons Lane Albanese (Barbara), Jay Albanese (Gin) and their children Ali, Eric and Nicole who will forever remember her spirit and the indelible mark she made on their lives.

Betsy was predeceased by her husband of more than 50 years, Jeff Garfield, who worked as a psychologist and commodities trader in Chicago.

As we honor the life of Betsy Garfield, we celebrate a remarkable woman whose legacy will live on through her family, especially her granddaughters Kinley and Orly and the many lives she touched with her kindness and generosity.

Private services have been planned.

Donations her memory would be appreciated to Magan David Adom https://afmda.org/donate/ or the Jewish National Fund Trees for Israel shop.jnf.org

Heritage Funeral Care, David and Steven Gross Directors, are serving the family