News Summary
Elizabeth Rosalee Forssell, known affectionately as Betty Rose, passed away at 94 in Williamsburg, leaving behind a legacy of love and community service. A dedicated mother and leader, Betty’s life was marked by her deep commitment to family and unwavering involvement in community organizations like Girl Scouts and Aglow International. Friends and family will pay their respects at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home, with a service set to be conducted shortly thereafter. Her commitment to helping others will be honored through donations to a local charity in her memory.
WILLIAMSBURG, VA – Elizabeth Rosalee (Betty Rose) Forssell, a beloved mother, grandmother, and community leader, passed away at the age of 94 on June 17, 2025, at Patriot’s Colony in Williamsburg, Virginia. Her death marks the end of a remarkable life characterized by dedication to family and service to her community.
Born on August 6, 1930, in Houston, Texas, Betty was the daughter of the late Harry Blatchley and Veva Rosalind Karickhoff Milligan. She grew up on a farm outside Buckhannon, West Virginia, and graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in 1948. She furthered her education at West Virginia Wesleyan College, earning her degree in 1952, before completing her dietetics internship at Philadelphia General Hospital.
It was in Philadelphia that Betty met her future husband, Alan Forssell. The couple married on September 25, 1955, and together they built a family, raising three children. Betty was known for her unwavering commitment to her family, describing herself as a devoted wife, wonderful mother, and loving grandmother. Her husband, Alan, passed away on March 16, 2015, leaving a significant void in her life.
Throughout her life, Betty was deeply involved in her community. She served as a Girl Scout leader and held the position of president of the Arlington chapter of Aglow International for many years. Her contributions to these organizations reflected her belief in community service and her dedication to guiding young individuals. In her personal life, she enjoyed playing the autoharp and had a passion for gardening, which showcased her creative spirit and love for nature.
Even as she faced the challenges of dementia in her later years, Betty’s sharp wit and humor remained intact. She was known for her feisty personality and her ability to form friendships easily, demonstrating resilience and a positive spirit up until her passing.
Betty is survived by her three children: Carol Forssell of Suffolk, Virginia; Eric Forssell and wife Diane of Laurel, Maryland; and Cathy Cross and husband Tim of Williamsburg, Virginia. Additionally, she leaves behind five grandchildren: Kirby Wedan and husband Steven from Springfield, Virginia; Caleb Forssell and partner Rylee Jeffries from Frederick, Maryland; Ellery Forssell of Laurel, Maryland; April Farulli and husband Vince of New Kent, Virginia; and Natalie Cross and fiancé Ryan Murphy of Arlington, Virginia. Betty also had one great-grandson, Sam Wedan of Springfield, Virginia, and two cousins, Jean Matheny of Murray, Kentucky, and David Wilson of Crouseville, Maine.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on June 28, 2025, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will commence at 1 PM, officiated by Pastor Jim Minutelli. Following the service, Betty will be laid to rest in Heavner Cemetery in her hometown of Buckhannon, West Virginia.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, interested individuals may honor Betty’s memory with donations to Family Promise of the Coastal Empire, PO Box 22023, Savannah, GA 31403. This gesture would reflect her values of community support and giving back to those in need.
As the community mourns the loss of a remarkable woman, Betty’s legacy of love, service, and strength will continue to inspire those who knew her.
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- WYDaily: Elizabeth Forssell, 94, of Williamsburg
- Wikipedia: Dementia
- Legacy: Elizabeth Boyd Obituary
- Google Search: Community Service
- Legacy: David Grandinett Obituary
- Google Scholar: Community Leadership
- Legacy: Barbara Poma Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grandparent
- Legacy: Richard Karas Obituary
- Google News: Funeral Services
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
