Elizabeth Shafer

Ledyard — Elizabeth “Betsy” Broughton Shafer, 66, of Ledyard passed away peacefully March 10, 2021. She was a native of the Connecticut shoreline.

Her studies of art began at the age of five at her father’s knee. Betsy earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, with a concentration in painting, and also studied at the Expressive Arts Institute at Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., and earned a certificate in graphic design at Eastern Connecticut State University. As an award-winning artist, she worked with a multitude of mediums including watercolor, oil and pastels. She focused primarily on figure, portrait and plein air landscapes of her favorite ocean and farmland vistas. She was especially excited by qualities of light and energy in the landscape. Betsy was beloved by her art students, whom she taught for over 30 years, conducting several shows of their work. She was a member of various art associations, and her works are held in numerous private collections.

After working in graphic design, print media and advertising at The Day, among others, Betsy raised and homeschooled two sons, maintained extensive gardens and a family farm with her husband, and was a volunteer coordinator for the National English Shepherd Rescue. She also served on the board of directors for Flock Theatre in New London. Her hobbies included hiking, biking, playing piano and guitar and passing sunny days on the beach. She had a special love of nature in every season and all living creatures, but her many rescued dogs and cats were her true and faithful companions.

Betsy is predeceased by her parents, William Frederick Broughton and Julia Amadon Broughton; and her brother William. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Roger Shafer; her sons, Benjamin and his fiancée, Kelsey, and Charles and his wife, Casey; her granddaughter Aria; her sisters, Barbara and Susan; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Betsy’s honor to the National English Shepherd Rescue.

Images of her works and biography are available on her website: https://www. betsybroughtonshafer.com.