Lizabeth A. Cheshire

Lizabeth (Betsy) A. Cheshire, beloved daughter of the late William Cheshire, Jr. and Josephine Ragosta Cheshire of Bristol, RI, died on October 31st after a courageous 17 month battle with Cancer. Born on July 24, 1953 she grew up in Warren, RI. She graduated as Valedictorian of Warren High School in 1971. Betsy obtained a BA degree Summa Cum Laude from ProvidenceCollege in 1975. She was elected to both Phi Sigma Tau (philosophy) and Pi Mu Epsilon (mathematics) honor societies. She was awarded a Masters degree from the Universityof Rhode Island in 1977. Betsy was then recruited by NASA, Johnson Space Center/Houston TX, as the first woman to work Mission Control. Her contributions and responsibilities to Human Spaceflight covered a wide range of responsibilities over her 29-years with NASA to include: Avionics Systems Engineering Office, Deputy Manager, and Space Shuttle Chief Engineers Office. In 1997 Betsy led the JSC to ISO certification. In 2001 she joined the Engineering Directorate in the Automation, Robotics, and Simulations Division, working on the integration of Canadian robotics components with the Station. In 2003, she began serving as the Safety and Mission Assurance Lead Engineer for the International Space Station Avionics and Software Assurance Team. Betsy had numerous interests throughout her life. She loved animals, especially her cats. She designed and maintained several Koi ponds at her home in League City, TX. She was a contributor to the World Wildlife Fund. She was a science fiction enthusiast, a published poet, an accomplished stained glass artist, painter, and a field contributor to Nature Photography magazine. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, skiing, fencing, and scuba diving. She volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and mentored students through the JSC outreach program for elementary schools. She donated to many charitable organizations. She was a devoted Patriots and Red Sox fan her entire life. Betsy is survived by her mother, her sister, Susan Cheshire of BristolRI, along with aunts, uncles, cousins, her godson Anthony J. Barcio of TX, and many dear friends from NASA. A Memorial with Honors from NASA was held at St. Pauls Catholic Church in Nassau Bay,TX. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service, Monday, November 19, 2007 at 11:30 AM in St. Alexanders Cemetery, Greenlawn Street, Warren RI. Memorial donations may be made in Betsy Cheshires name to the World Wildlife Fund, or the charity of your choice. Local arrangements have been entrusted to the Sansone Funeral Home, Bristol.

Service Information Cemetery St. Alexander's Cemetery Greenlawn Street Warren, RI -->