Elizabeth "Betsy" Germain Cary

Elizabeth “Betsy” Germain Cary, age 60 of Manassas, VA died at her residence on December 5, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Betsy was born in Washington, DC on October 29, 1958 with her twin brother Kevin. On the same day her future husband, John Cary, was born in Baltimore, MD. Betsy was raised with her 5 siblings in Falls Church, VA. Her family was always active in the community, especially the Annandale Boys and Girls Club, which her father founded in the early 1960’s. Betsy was a talented artist and singer and played competitive soccer for decades. In the summer of 1979 she met her future husband, John, in Ocean City, MD. They married in 1981 and in the next 6 years had 4 daughters. Betsy stayed at home with the girls until the youngest was in middle school, when Betsy began teaching Art at Brentsville District High School. She retired in June 2014 to assist in the care of their grandson who was born 15 weeks prematurely. About a year later Betsy was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Betsy touched many lives as a soccer player, coach and teacher. She had a beautiful singing voice and performed in various public and private venues. She sang with various groups, including Sweet Adeline’s, Gentle PersUUasion, and Colors of the Flame. Most recently she sang with The Forgetful Friends Chorus a local group composed of persons with memory disorders and their caregivers, family and friends. She was lucky to travel extensively and enjoyed many international friendships. During high school she spent parts of two summers in Colombia. With her husband and children, she made over a dozen trips to Europe. She and her family frequently opened their house to others for long term stays. Over the years they had 3 exchange students: Martin Daamen from Germany, Marion Delaunay from France, and Sven Prause from Germany. Other extended-stay guests include Renaud Lievin and Natacha Gustin, both from Belgium. On one occasion an entire Belgian soccer team and several spouses stayed at the Cary house for an extraordinary week. Other visitors are too numerous to list here. Betsy and her family maintain close contact with many of them. Betsy was loved wherever she went. She was an exceptionally talented soccer player (playing for several national championship teams), singer, and artist. She had an intense but quiet and hidden desire to be the best at whatever she did, yet she was always engaging and humble, and was genuinely happy for the success of others, no matter at what level. From the beginning, she dealt with her dementia with grace and quiet courage, with much help and kindness from her family, extended family, and numerous friends. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org, or to the charity of your choice. She was preceded in death by her twin brother Kevin Germain and is survived by her husband John; daughters Megan McGrath, Melissa Cary, Bonnie Bell and her husband Danny Bell and Brenda Cary and her boyfriend Nick Slonka; two grandsons John Lawrence Cary and Grant Bell; brothers Kip Germain, Greg Germain and Rusty Germain; sister Julie Thompson and sister-in-law Jan Germain (widow of brother Kevin). Also survived by other in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews who are too numerous to list. The family will receive friends at Pierce Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at which time a Celebration of Life Service will take place. Interment will be private.

Elizabeth "Betsy" Germain Cary

October 29, 1958 - December 5, 2018