Gumustop, Elizabeth "Betsy"
SLINGERLANDS — Elizabeth "Betsy" Ruth Gumustop, 52 of Slingerlands, passed away on July 15, 2021, at home surrounded by her family.
Born and raised in Niskayuna, she was the daughter of Richard and Charlotte Stearns. A natural athlete and leader from birth, she excelled in softball and field hockey at Niskayuna High School. While at high school, Betsy met her husband Bora, an exchange student, where they became high school sweethearts.
She majored in mathematics at the College of Wooster in Ohio, during which time she studied a semester abroad at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Before her graduate studies, she took a year off to live with her husband’s family and learn Turkish at Ankara University. Then in 1997, she completed her PH.D. in mathematics from Binghamton University SUNY. She returned home to the Capital Region in 2001 to be close to her family and raise her two children. Every summer, she and her family traveled to their home in Bodrum, Turkey.
She had endless love and care for all those around her. There was nothing more important than making space for those in need.
She brought this dedication to the Bethlehem community running the school book fairs and the thousand books project, leading Parents for Excellence, and coaching and advising Odyssey of the
Mind teams. She touched the lives of both children and parents alike.
Even after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009, her inner strength and commitment to those around her did not change. She believed that "life’s hardest challenges get dealt to those that can handle it." This shows what a strong and amazing woman she was.
She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Bora; her daughter Selin and son Derin; her brother Chris Stearns, and her parents. Services will be private. Please consider making a donation in Betsy’s memory to the Bethlehem School District Odyssey of the Mind fund. Checks should be made out to BCMS PTO, with Odyssey of the Mind in the memo and mailed to Bethlehem Odyssey of the Mind c/o BCMS PTO, 332 Kenwood Ave, Delmar, NY, 12054.
To leave a special message for the family online, please visit Newcomeralbany.com.
Army being stationed at Fort Monroe, Virginia, as an M.P. Automobiles were his passion with owning and working on cars with Steve Danish’s dirt modified race car team during the latter 1950s and early 1960s. He worked for Turnquest and Morgan Appraisers and Adjusters as an automobile appraiser with acquiring the company in 1969, when he changed the name to Metroland Appraisers and Adjusters Inc. He was the president until 2018 when he retired. He was also a member of the Independent Appraisers Association
(IAA) and the Colonie Elks club. His love of racing never faltered from going all over the east coast to watch the races live to watching the races on T.V. He was an encyclopedia about everything NASCAR. Racino in Saratoga and vacations at Lido Key in Sarasota, Fla. was his favorite forms of relaxation.
Sam was the beloved husband of 53 years to Bonita Ann "Bonnie." He is also survived by his adoring daughter Leamarie Hill Amorosi and her husband Joseph Amorosi of Clifton Park; his loving son James "Jamie" Hill and his wife Sherry Hill of Latham; grandchildren, Tyler Hill, Bryce Amorosi and stepgranddaughter Nicole Ryan; great-grandson Nikolas Hill; and his brother Thomas Hill and his wife Carolyn Hill of Brookfield, N.H. He was predeceased by his sister Pamela Hill Woodside and brother-in-law Robert Woodside. He was the brother-inlaw of Lanette and Robert Wesemen. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.
Those wishing to remember Sam, may make a donation to their favorite charity in his name. His physical presence will be missed but his spirit will be with all of us, always.
Arrangements are under the direction of Simple Choices, Inc. "The Cremation Service." To leave a special message for the family, please visit Simplechoicescremati on.com