Betsey Andker Young (Miss Betsey), retired dance teacher and choreographer, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2016 after suffering a hip fracture the month before. She was a long time resident of Lafayette, living in her home for 63 years.
Betsey was born and raised in Oakland, CA by Danish immigrants, Dan & Ella Andker. She attended Franklin Grammar School, Westlake Junior High, and Oakland High School. In 1940 she graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Art. While at UC, she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority (Mu Chapter) and Orchesis, a National Honorary Dance Society.
Betsey danced throughout her life. Her lighthearted gaiety, bright smile, exquisite beauty and charm, and her many talents brought delight to all who met and knew her. As a dance instructor, Miss Betsey taught all grade levels at Palmer School in Walnut Creek from 1956-76, and taught ballet at the after school programs of several public schools, creating many wonderful dance recitals. She also taught "Slimnastics" to adults at the Lafayette Community Center. Betsey was cofounder of Laf-Frantics, a community theatre group who performed at the Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette every fall from 1956-86. She had a grand time being their choreographer and a regular performer.
Betsey married R. Don (Digger) Young of Oakland in 1945, and they had one daughter, Kristin Zoe. After a few years of military service spent in the Philippines, they settled happily in Lafayette in 1953. Betsey was founder of the Lafayette Junior Women's Club in 1953, and the Suburban Women's Club of Lafayette in 1956. As an active club member and leader, she helped create fundraising and community outreach projects for more than 50 years.
Always curious about far away places, Don and Betsey traveled the world by car, plane and rail, and especially enjoyed many years of freighter travel. They had great adventure stories to share with family and friends upon returning home. This handsome couple was sure that Lafayette was one of the best places in the world to live.
Betsey was predeceased by her beloved husband, Don, after 62 years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter, Kristin Gaylord (Bruce Moen) of Walnut Creek, her grandson, Zack Gaylord of Berkeley, her great granddaughter, Sophie Marie and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express our gratitude to our friends and family for their ever constant love and support.
There was a private burial service for Betsey at Mt. View Cemetery in Oakland on February 29. Friends are invited to the Memorial Celebration of her life on Sunday, May 22 at 2pm at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. If you wish, please make a memorial donation to the charity of your choice in lieu of giving flowers.
