I miss being able to talk things over with you Betsy. We have so much ground to cover! I miss you. 
Love,
Madeleine

Your birthday dear friend. We all remember you. We miss you.
Love always
Madeleine

I have so many memories of my niece,Betsy.Getting up to study at 4 AM and then taking flying lessons. More importantly when my husband,Porter (Bud) was in the hospital she was there for me as liaison with hospital staff. I did love her so much and miss her.

Happy Birthday Bets! It makes me happy to know all her people are doing so well. She loved you all so much!

Betsy was my mentor and friend. When I was a medical student, it was she who interested me in the field of pathology, saying it could readily accommodate motherhood and medical career. Her family of course was hugely important to her, and Betsy and I talked periodically over the years, about balancing family and profession--my family following similar trajectory a decade or so behind. She dropped pearls of wisdom with every conversation--self-study early morning for an hour, remember every slide is a patient, close door for break midday, take one-on-one trips with kids, and step back from work for year or two if need be. And her voracious interest in cooking, art, literature and music, which mirrored somewhat my own, was truly inspiring. I enjoyed her insight into life, her realism in face of adversity, her humor at book club, and her caring during our friendship lunches. I so admired Betsy, and though I don't hold a candle to her brightness of character, I will always be grateful for her guiding light.

Victor and Family,

We were sorry to learn about Betsy's passing. She was a really lovely person and although we did not know her well, we always appreciated her letters at the holidays. The descriptions of your trips and projects together have always been so inspiring. She lived life to the fullest and put herself out into the world in so many brilliant ways! I know her light will live on through all of you, and through the grandchildren. Wishing all of you peace, light and love. May her memory always be for a blessing.
Your Denver cousins, Saul Greenhut and Nancy Cronk

It's a lovely beginning of fall day here in California. It makes me happy to remember Betsy in all the ways I knew her to be. She reminds me to be fully alive while I am still on the planet, like she was. Love you Bets!

One of the great and unexpected pleasures of my move to Arizona State University in 2007 was reconnecting with Betsy, with whom I had attended sixth grade through high school. When Betsy and Vic came through Phoenix en route to Sedona or the Tucson area, we would meet for lunch in Tempe: wonderful lunches filled with meaningful and memorable conversations.

I* am Betsy's Aunt and my recollectons consist of Betsyy studying so hard and then taking flying lessons

Today is betsy's birthday and the two of us would no doubt be going to book club this week with dinner beforehand. Roz (our beloved book club leader) and I are planning our own private birthday wishes for Betsy this evening at book club.  I moved to Utah 12 years ago and met Betsy and Vic on my third day in Utah as I had been assigned to their team that was training for a century bike ride to raise money for leukemia. Betsy shortly thereafter introduced me to Roz and Roz's book club. Sharing literature with Betsy has been one of the many pleasures of our friendship.  My friendship with Roz is all thanks to Betsy. 

I met betsy in 2017 almost 3 years ago at Landis Salon, where I was a brand new hair dresser. I wasn't confident at short hair cuts, little alone women's short hair, I was really really nervous, but she had a way about her that eases all of your anxieties, and after that appointment we were off to the races. seeing her was a highlight of every 6 to sometimes 9 weeks. She was so strong, and inspired me to be strong too. she's someone I cannot, and will not ever forget. She had some of the coolest stories! (like doing study abroad French courses) and her passion for life was infectious. I stumbled on her obituary this evening sadly, and I just wanted to leave my sympathies. She was an amazing woman.

Betsy and I were friends for 60 sixty years, since we met in sixth grade after my family moved to Massachusetts. There is no one with whom I have been friends longer. We bonded quickly and at age 11 found ourselves onstage together, doing a duet for a talent show. This is my first memory of school in Amherst. Last year, we tried to remember the song, but for both of us, the title has receded into the mists of the past. Betsy was always gutsy and willing to challenge the world. With her, I had my first motorcycle ride. With Betsy and her family, I camped at Truro on Cape Cod.  She was the person with whom I discussed birth control and the pill, first available in the 1960's when we were both teenagers in high school. When we attended college and began building our careers and families, we were inevitably out of touch much of the time. What is amazing to me is that a magnetism seemed to pull us back into each other's orbit, even as we matured and changed. Fundamentally, we remained attached and close, a closeness and attachment that grew with each passing year. When I moved to Arizona, our paths crossed more frequently and I was able to experience anew the enduring energy, gutsiness and lust for life that were Betsy's essence. Her passions were infectious; her joy contagious, her courage inspiring. I feel very very fortunate to have counted her for a friend and for so so many years. I will miss her deeply.

Guts. Zest. Honesty. Feistiness. I almost said "fearlessness," but Betsy was afraid at times-- and not afraid to say so. I always felt safe and loved in her presence. What a loss.

A few words from Betsy's "wicked stepmother." After sifting through about 40 years of memories, both with & without Sarge, I notice that many of them
have to do with food, & the eating thereof. Our last get-together was a Chinese dinner in San Francisco with Marta & Steve, Rebecca & Tamara, Betsy & V, & me. Hmmm. 
What has always impressed me about Betsy is the intensity with which she has lived her life. The devotion to her family; her competitiveness in triathalons, her professional life as pathologist & teacher, and of course,
her fierce battle against cancer. 
She lived her life to the fullest and shared it with all of us--haven't we been
fortunate?!

All, Mark asked me to post this tribute from him...
Betsy’s interests deeply excited her, and her excitement captured us. She was keen on physical activities, mainly triathlon events, and her competitiveness was to be admired. Shakespeare in Cedar City was the highlight of her summer. She was also interested in writing, which showed magnificently for all in her articles in the Shakespeare Festival bulletin, and also very pointedly when she wrote about her illness. Even her natural prose needed no tuning. Travel was important to her and Vic, but travel that focused on learning about different peoples and cultures. Associated with travel was reading about different ideas and the people behind them. Betsy was an admirable chef, and she attended culinary school in Paris. For a dinner party, she and Vic usually spent most of the day preparing multicourse meals that had been well coordinated and planned.

Betsy’s ability to handle her infirmities was admirable. The straight forward ones she shrugged off, such as crashing on her bicycle and breaking her hip, or bilateral knee replacement. The bigger challenges were with her cancers; while she struggled mightily, she did it with outward courage. We all shared those with her through her writing. Betsy led a way to live through good and difficult times, which I hope we individually can follow in our lives.

We have known Betsy and Vic for many years, and cannot easily envision her not being with us. It is going to be especially hard for Vic and their children. We hope that her spirit will continue to prop us up and keep us going.

Betsy. .... A living legend, A woman of determination, intellect, imagination and caring. I have known Betsy since her years as an undergraduate at Antioch College. As Academic Adviser and friend, I knew her well. Her work and dedication to thought and the pursuit of ideas was and remained brilliant.
After graduation, if I recall correctly, she was a scholarship student at Princeton where she studied International Relations /Conflict Resolution. (One day, Vic, I will send you my references sent on her behalf.) After leaving Princeton, she appeared in my office to tell me that, after thinking a great deal about it, she had decided to enter Medical School. I remember thinking what school, what course of study next. The intellectual and practical faculties will welcome her.
We know of her successes, but, most important, some of us know of her marriage and family, a loving "oneness" of bond. Vic matched her eagerness for life and, through the years, I saw them grow independently, yet in concert.
We last met in NYC, where Rachel was beginning her career in art. Sculpture, as I recall. We talked and talked. Not of old times, but of the moment, of Vic and Rachel and Ben. Of life in Salt Lake City and of her work.

December 2018, there was no Christmas Greeting with photos and news of travel, health and family. I paused. illness returned?

Yes.

If this is too long and as my tears flow, forgive me. I dearly loved her.
She will always be the rare, living legend, a grand gift to humanity.

C. Robert Friedman, formerly Professor of Sociology, Antioch College

Betsy and I go back to the early 80s when both of us sought some distance from clinical medicine and instead embarked upon the practice of laboratory medicine as fellow pathology residents. While we trained together, she and Vic had the great fortune of welcoming Rachel into the world – an expectant housestaff physician confounded the male-dominated residency leadership at our hospital but was inspiring to us with a more youthful perspective, particularly those other young professional women, like my attorney wife Madeleine (who has already weighed in on her own on this very moving memorial site), who recognized a kindred spirit. Our two couples, lawyer and pathologist each (albeit gender-reversed), became life-long friends from this beginning. We would later part ways geographically, but never in the love and affection that we shared for one another.

The many tributes already posted here capture most of what can be said about this wonderful woman and her colorful life. I feel morally obliged, however, to add a few comments of my own, inspired by some quotes by Betsy’s beloved bard, William Shakespeare. I’d like to think she would approve.

“Life is a shuttle.” – from The Merry Wives of Windsor
   Indeed it is, with the ultimate destination never uncertain. But while some choose to take the Express to avoid the distraction and delay of intervening stops, Betsy’s life most assuredly was a ride on the Local. She always knew where the train was headed, particularly in these last few years, but she was never shy about stopping to experience whatever life had to offer while on the journey.

“Her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love.” - from Antony & Cleopatra
In an earlier post here Betsy’s niece Jennifer asks the rhetorical question (obvious answer implied), “What is the opposite of apathetic?” Betsy was easily one of the most passionate people I have ever known. Her love and enthusiasm for family, friends, nature, art, her profession (the list can go on forever) was something that defined her personality and the way she chose to live her life. If Betsy ever did anything half-assedly its news to me.

“The time of life is short; to spend that shortness basely were too long.” – from Henry IV, part 1
I think we can all agree that Betsy’s life was cut short too early – but I suspect we could all similarly concur that Betsy crammed several lifetimes worth of living into her 70 years on this “earth of majesty” - passionately, meaningfully, honestly, lovingly, and with integrity.

To paraphrase one of the most famous lines from Hamlet:
       “She was a woman. Take her for all in all. I shall not look upon
                         her like again.”



“To me, fair friend, you never can be old.”
                             Sonnet 104
Michael Weldon-Linne

Betsy was a dear friend to both my parents for a very long time. I have a lot of memories of Betsy but some of my favorite memories of her are that every time she would see me, she would remind me that she held me in the hospital as a premie newborn and that she told my parents she felt as if I was her child too. She helped me name my childhood teddy bear “oatmeal”. I think of her fondly every time our daughter plays with it. Betsy gave us some great marriage advice at my rehearsal dinner that I will never forget: “it is better to be together than right”. Very wise words. Betsy was one of the most kind, dynamic, interesting, generous and funny women I have ever met. I will miss her greatly and am so fortunate that she was able to touch my life in such an impactful way. We love you, Betsy

One life time could not contain Betsy. So her life expanded into all our lives. She colored our lives. She enriched our lives. She changed our lives. Her passions and interests were so varied that she influenced all of us in different ways and at different times, engaging in a myriad of activities. Wife and mother and grandmother. Sister. Friend. Chef, pilot, physician, scholar, artist, athlete, outdoors enthusiast. Always learning. Always teaching. Rachel and Ben, please know that Betsy worried about you from time to time (as mothers tend to do) but she was in awe of your talents and interesting personalities and of your kindness and strength. She admired you both. What a beautiful coda these last months as Betsy witnessed Ben and Christa's partnership in action, working together and so loving and kind to each other. Rachel, so confident and successful in business and exquisitely tender to Lucas and starting family traditions with Eric. As one of her many friends, I treasured Betsy's exquisitely timed attention to our friendship. When we were no longer neighbors, the juggling of kids, careers and marriage sometimes pushed out frequent contact. When the moments hit--big ones and not so big-- happy ones and when broken pieces needed to be put back together--it took one call or one email or (later) one text to get us back on each others daily support radar. She listened to me. She gave sometimes difficult advice. We helped each other process and navigate experiences, successes, failures, joys and heartbreaks. Now all of our hearts are aching. My heart has expanded and I am a better friend, wife, mother because of Betsy, Thank you my dear friend.
Madeleine Weldon-Linne 

Betsy was my stepsister. We spent a year living together in Turkey with Sarge (her dad and my step) and my mom, Elizabeth. She was 16 and I was 8. We traveled to Turkey on an Italian ocean liner; along the way we stopped to visit the ruins of Pompei and hiked up Mt Vesuvius. Although I have many fond memories of Betsy over these many years, most often I remember her skipping down that mountain, holding my hand and singing “ The Happy Wanderer”. Love you Betsy ❤️

The lyrics:

I love to go a-wandering
Along the mountain track
And as I go, I love to sing
My knapsack on my back
Val-deri, val-dera
Val-deri, val-dera
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
Ha
Val-dera
My knapsack on my back
I love to wander by the stream
That dances in the sun
So joyously it calls to me
Come join my happy song
Val-eri, val-dera
Val-deri, val-dera
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
Ha
Val-era
Come join my happy song
I wave my hat to all I meet
And They wave back to me
And blackbirds call so loud and sweet
From ev'ry green wood tree
Val-eri, val-dera
Val-deri, val-dera
Val-deri, val-dera
Oh, may I go a-wandering
Until the day I die
Oh, may I always laugh and sing
Beneath God's clear blue sky
Val-eri, val-dera
Val-eri, val-dera
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
Ha
val-dera
Beneath the clear blue sky
Beneath the clear blue sky

My niece betsy was a remarkable woman.we shared good times when she moved to the chicago area.i vaguely remember tales of her getting up at 4 am to study ,and then going for flying lessons later in the day .is that accurate. Vic
She introduced me to yogurt and other health foods of which i had never heard.when my husband,bud was in the hospital for a quuadtriple by pass ,she was by my side and interpreting what we were hearing from the surgery liasons.she was a great communicator she knew great joy and love in her marriage and famjlybetsy hhad brains,pluck,and deternination when faced with an incertain future,she just about emptied her bucket list.in her dtermination to get the most out of her life.betsy we will miss you.you bring to mind an invocartion i once heard
This is the day we have been given rrejoice and live in it.
With much love aunt elayne

ITM 9

Besty can laugh about her adventures and the next second speak authoritatively about some weird lump I took out. I worked with her when she practiced in Roosevelt. Now 8 years on, the staff still talk about her and wish she would come back.
Admiration/adoration bordering on envy is the place in my heart where she will always be. She was a mentor and example of how to act and how to let go as a doctor.
Words ever describe my feelings and smile about "Doctor Betsy"

I remember playing the card game "War" for hours and hours with cousin Betsy under the dining room table at our house in Queens when the Sargeant Russell's came down from Massachusetts for Thanksgivings or Christmas.  She was probably about 12 and I was 10. Later as an adult Betsy and VIc introduced me to the Huntsman Senior Games in St. George Utah where they participated in the triathlon and, I think, some swimming events.  Betsy's training translated into several medals and she was very proud of the them. Betsy and Vic had a condo in St. George and generously let me stay there during the games.  She is missed.

Betsy and I shared an office when she was a second year resident at Evanston Hospital, and I was just starting out. That was a formative experience for me. Betsy guided me as I oriented myself to this new world of Pathology. As we went along in residency I learned from her ways of thinking and habits of dedication that have remained with me throughout my career. Even though we were not in frequent contact over the years, the occasional correspondence always lifted me up and helped me recall a wonderful time in my life. She had an amazing life and fought a very brave fight. I wish all good things for Vic and the rest of the family.

I believe I was working as a children's librarian at the Salt Lake City LIbrary when I first met Ben Pollak. He reminded me of my own Ben and they seemed about the same age. Soon after, I saw Ben and his mother at a soccer game and went to introduce myself, suggesting that our boys might enjoy some time together. I remember how warm and open Betsy was, and yes, our boys did become the very best of friends. Our lives have taken us on different paths, but I remember being a part of wonderful celebrations over the years. Betsy was such an extraordinary woman and I admired her deeply: a physician, Cordon Bleu chef, athlete, and I loved that we both were "fierce" mothers. A number of years ago both Betsy and Vic were away for different work engagements and Ben had a bad skiing accident. She called and hesitantly asked if my Ben and I could go to the hospital so that her Ben would not be alone after surgery as she was unable to return to Salt Lake until later in the day. Fortunately, my work schedule allowed my Ben and I to go and be in the room when Ben was brought in from recovery. I was deeply touched by the fact that she had asked us, and so pleased that we could help out in a difficult situation. I am so deeply saddened that I have not been in touch for several years, especially as I thought she had been much better. My heart is with Vic and Ben and Rachel as i know there is a huge empy space in their lives. I hope that Betsy's generous, open, energetic, curious and talented spirit will begin to fill that space as the days and months pass. I salute you, my friend, for a life admirably lived.

I met Betsy through Vic's law firm. She helped me at a firm outing, when I became sick, and I was struck with how caring and professional she was and became her friend. That was a long time ago. Over the years, we met most often for lunch. She had a glass of wine, her one indulgence, and we talked and talked about everything. I will miss that. She was so passionate about the Utah "Shakes", about travel, about her family and her career, about life. She jumped into things fully. She handled her illness and its setbacks the same way. I was with her during one of her treatments and saw what she had to endure. She fought hard. Betsy, you were amazing. Vic too. Peter and I send our love to the family, Marney

I am not sure that first cousins in this day and age can claim the kind of closeness that may have been the case as recently as a generation ago. But I always felt close to Betsy because she was so worldly, smart and literate. We corresponded at times and there was always a playfulness that came along with the insights, the sensitivity towards others and the wisdom.

After his passing, I was unsuccessful in persuading her to take on the role that her Uncle Martin had played as the family scribe. I had no basis for the request other than she was approachable, her writing skills were awesome and I liked her so much.

When she started down the path with cancer my wife Patricia and tried to put her in touch with others similarly afflicted so they might share insights as to possible treatments. We marveled at her strength and resolve. While we feel a profound sadness in her passing we also stand in awe of her determination to live well while she could.

Condolences to Vic, Ben and Rachel.

We loved going to the Pollak’s intimate dinner parties. Vic always helped, but Betsy was really in command. We particularly remember the coq au vin—so yummy. And there were even a couple of nights with printed menus illustrated with art from one of their many trips, all spurred by Betsy’s imagination and skill in putting together a very special evening. The bar was set pretty high, but we had so much fun! Needless to say we tried out our most extravagant and experimental menus on the Pollaks! Mark will always be quoting one of the Pollak’s travel phrases: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” That phrase epitomized Betsy’s attitude toward life—be prepared and make the most of what you have, which she did beautifully. Kudos to Betsy’s unflagging spirit and energy, and her enthusiasm in all things! She will always have a special place in our hearts and memories! Love from Mark and Diane Bromberg

There from the beginning, you were always there. I remember your wedding, I remember your love. Always laughing, always teaching. You never stopped. You gave your all, every time. You gave me the best uncle, the best cousins, the best triple word scores. Tough enough, full of joy, you couldn’t help but inspire me do more. Now the toughest lesson to learn. Departed but never gone. Never. Thank you, thank you, thank you my dearest Betsy.

I was new to the pathology community in Utah about the same time Betsy was new and Betsy helped me out several times over a few years. From the beginning she was so remarkably enthusiastic about her profession and I saw that it spilled over into everything she did. Support of the arts, vacations, friendships, Betsy was always positive. And then over the years with the devastating diagnosis and treatments, her optimism never failed. She greeted everyone with a smile. She and Vic lived life to the fullest through it all. It was a remarkable journey which inspired anyone who knew her. 

What is the opposite of apathetic? I would say that your Mom (and Uncle Vic) are two of the most engaged, enthusiastic, and passionate people I've ever met. They certainly were enthusiastic about each other and were a wonderful example of what it means to be a couple. You and Ben brought so much joy to your Mom too. I still have several pictures that she sent me from when you were a baby. I was excited about a cute little cousin and your Mom was over the moon and thrilled that she could brag with abandon to an admiring ten year old. My heart goes out to you and Ben and Uncle Vic. I'm sorry for all that you've had to endure. Please know that we are sending you our love and prayers.

When I think about Betsy, what I'm struck by the most is her directness, her way of being unabashedly herself, down to earth, yet warm, welcoming, and exuberant. I have so many memories of the Pollak home on South Temple and the ways in which Betsy made it truly a home and welcomed Rachel's mix-and-match assortment of friends. She was a wonderful cook and I loved being invited into her home for a meal and conversation; you always knew where you stood with Betsy, and as I get older and navigate the many nebulous relationships in this world, I appreciate this quality more and more. Betsy had so many talents - she was incredibly bright and analytical, but also very inventive, creative, and adventurous. Betsy really had the energy, bounce, and zest of someone much younger. I will treasure the memories I have of Betsy, and I hope that I can embody some of her spirit in my own life. All my love to her family and friends -- Vic, Rachel, and Ben, you all are in my heart.

Betsy was one of the bravest and most courageous women I have ever met!! She lived life to the fullest so as to have no regrets when the end came. She and Victor have always been great examples to me of never ending learning and gaining knowledge. I know she is back home having a wonderful reunion for many who have passed before her. May God's love and comforting peace be poured out upon you Ben, Rachel and Victor. She will be watching over you all from above.

I loved Betsy from the first time we met in Lamaze class...both pregnant for the first time! What excitement we shared in those early years ...becoming mothers and sharing fun times with our little ones in Oak Park! I am blessed to have enjoyed decades of sharing the joys and sorrows that life brought our way. The brilliance in her eyes matched her brilliance. Sooo many talents... Her energy and stamina were both incredible and inspirational. Betsy was a dear, caring friend to me. My love and hugs and prayers for you Vic, Rachel and Ben as you adjust to life here on earth without her warm presence.