Rockport - Elizabeth Reiley "Betsy" Stickel passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from the effects of a life-long heart condition.

She is survived by her brother Peter, his husband, John Bumstead, her niece, Laura Marie Stickel, and Laura's sons, Kade, Tylor, and Cody.

Betsy was born August 26, 1953, in Harrisburg, PA and grew up in the Cumberland Valley, an Appalachian valley west of Harrisburg. She graduated from Cumberland Valley High School in 1971 before working at Discovery School in Camp Hill, PA for nine years.

At age 27, she moved to Rockport and was the go-to seamstress on Cape Ann for 40 years from 1980 to her retirement in 2020.

Besides sewing for hundreds of families, Betsy was known for long walks all over Rockport with her dogs. It was less well known that she was a voracious reader, devouring three or four books a week for most of her life.

Ten years ago, she bought Rowe's Farm and soon had horses, chickens, and goats.

In addition to her parents, Betsy was predeceased by her brother, John Charles and her nephew, John Michael.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the First Congregational Church, 12 School Street, Rockport.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930.

Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.

For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com.