CARY, NC: Betsey Boardman Asrican passed away surrounded by family at her home in Cary, NC on October 16, 2021 at the age of 73. She was born July 13, 1948 in Westfield, MA to William (Doc) Boardman and Rosemary Johnson Boardman. She graduated Westfield High School in 1966, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison (class of 1970), and received her Master’s degree in Special Education from Boston College in 1971.
Betsey was a lifelong educator, affectionately known as “Mrs. A” to countless students and parents. Her career highlights included the creation of the first two public school programs for autistic children. After many years in Special Education she transitioned to elementary education. She was particularly devoted to Papermill Elementary in Westfield, MA, where she taught first, second and third grade for many years, finally serving as school principal from 2001 to 2006. After retiring to North Carolina, she continued part-time work as a long-term substitute teacher at Scroggs Elementary in Chapel Hill, NC.
While in Westfield, Betsey was involved with the Episcopal Church, singing in the choir and volunteering her time at the Church of Atonement. She particularly enjoyed cooking and being surrounded by family and friends. Social activities included local book clubs, neighborhood Mexican dominoes and poker nights, and she was a longtime herb gardener. She was known for her radiant smile, her boisterous laugh, and curly red-hair.
She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Steve Asrican; children Brent Asrican, Kirsten Amaral (George Amaral), Jessica Gentilli (Nicholas Gentilli); grandchildren Morgan, Hannah, Cameron, Austin, and Eliza; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and close sister, Gail Boardman Kallock (1940-2020).
She was very well loved by a great many people, and will be sorely missed. A small gathering of family and friends will be organized at a later date to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations to a new scholarship endowment in Betsey’s memory can be made to the CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars Program:
Online: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/csf-westfield-dollars-for-scholars-inc
By check payable to: CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 382, Westfield, MA 01086
