In Memoriam: Betty Altman (1932-2018)

Betty Altman, 86, beloved parent, grandparent, and friend to so many in the Brunswick community, died Saturday, September 22. 

 

Beginning in 1961, in a tenure that included four Brunswick headmasters — Alfred Everett, Norm Pederson, Duncan Edwards, and Tom Philip — Betty filled the roles of Brunswick mom; grandmother; class mother; representative for Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools; BPA president; Development Office volunteer; and Bookstore founder and manager.

 

“I can’t possibly summarize all that Betty meant to the School,” Headmaster Philip said. “She was associated with Brunswick, in one way or another, for more than 50 years — and her personal contributions to our community always set a high standard for all to follow.”

 

Betty is survived by her son Bob ’75 and his son, Justin ’01; and daughter Beth Rosencrans and her sons, Jay ’09 and Billy ’14, and her daughter, Eva (GA ’13). She was predeceased by sons Thomas ’78 and John ’85, and her husband of 50 years, Don.

 

In a visit to Maher Avenue after her retirement in 2008, Betty said, “Brunswick is very special and I love everything about it. I love the way the teachers try so hard to make the boys happy and learn at the same time. Everybody cares about other people here, and the teachers are very supportive of one another. When they come here, they usually stay. I like that.”

 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Betty Altman Endowment Fund at Brunswick School, established by the Class of 1985 in memory of their classmate, John Altman ’85, and in honor of his mother, Betty Altman, for her many years of service to Brunswick. The fund provides support for the bookstore needs of financial-aid students.

 

Services will be private.