Betsy’s Story
(March 1st, 1936 – February 17th, 2025)
Betsy was born Elizabeth Mountsier, the youngest of seven siblings, daughter to Rush and Margaret Mountsier. She graduated with honors from Nutley High School in 1953 and matriculated at Allegheny College, where she majored in English, minored in French, cooked dinner for Pete Seeger, married Parke Theron Morrow Jr, and bore her first son Jeffrey, all while completing her college coursework on schedule in 1957.
Betsy and Parke spent several years in Ithaca, NY, including welcoming Jennifer in 1959. When an opportunity arose to purchase The Book Corner, Inc in 1962, the family moved to Niagara Falls, NY and Betsy, while reading “As I Lay Dying”, gave birth to her third child, Chris.
Betsy worked at The Book Corner for 12 years before venturing forth as a single woman, raising her three children and successfully starting her own small business, Bookkeeping By Betsy. She later transitioned to a long career as the assistant director of Old Fort Niagara, remaining active in Fort activities well after retirement, including as a member of the Board of Directors.
Betsy married Peter Diachun on Friday, January 13th, 1989 and they enjoyed 36 happy years together on Lake Ontario and in Lewiston. Betsy focused on giving back to her community, serving two terms on the Lewiston-Porter School District’s board of education, and as President of Planned Parenthood of Niagara. Betsy volunteered extensively with Habitat for Humanity, Niagara History Center, Niagara Beautification Commission, Niagara Area Foundation of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and Meals on Wheels. As well, she started the first Red Hat Society of Niagara Falls. Betsy was honored as the 2013 Senior of the Year by the Niagara County Office for the Aging.
Throughout it all, Betsy was an instrumental member of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Niagara, caring for her community through her consistent management of the church and its congregation for over 60 years.
Betsy lived an authentic life. She celebrated whenever able, struggled through tough times, and cared for others always. With her playful spirit, Betsy brought joy, humor, and inspiration to all around her.
Betsy and her two living siblings, Silas Rush Mountsier, III and Steve Mountsier, shared a lifetime of love, support, admiration, and family stories. Betsy’s children include: Jeffrey, Jennifer with daughter Sarah, Chris (Agy) with children Silas and Izabella. Her step-children include: Nathan (Carol) with children Jason, Logan and Ethan; Justin; and Aaron (Becky) with children Kelsey, Kiersten, Carlin, and Cameron. She also had great-grandchildren: Thorfinn, Zosim, and Lourdes.