Betsy Belle (Stowe) Eadie

Defreestville - Betsy Belle Stowe Eadie of Defreestville, NY was born into eternal life on July 29, 2024. She was surrounded by family as she passed peacefully.

Betsy Belle was known by many as a devoted mother, wife, educator, mentor, and constant care giver. While known as Betsy Belle by most, her favorite name was Eadie-Ma, given to her by her 11 adoring grandchildren, with whom she cherished reading, baking and snuggling. Her greatest joy in life was seeing her five children and children-in-law grow into parents themselves and flourish. An avid reader, witty storyteller, wonderful grammatician, talented seamstress, and holiday connoisseur, she provided immeasurable friendship, encouragement, and guidance to all who were lucky enough to cross her path. Even in her last hours she was thinking of others.

She was born on March 9, 1945 in Chicago, IL to the Rev. Lt. Col. Clayton Harold Stowe, USAF, Ret. and Mary Evelyn Webb Stowe. Betsy Belle grew up as a child of an Air Force officer, living all across the United States, Guam, Philippines, Japan, and Michigan where she graduated from Cadillac High School, class of 1963. Betsy Belle attended the University of Michigan, class of 1967, where she met her husband, John Ladd Eadie. The two married in 1965 and were married for 59 years. She taught in Los Angeles, CA and Buffalo, NY before they settled in Defreestville, NY where they raised their beloved children and numerous pets. Famous to her friends and family for her blueberry muffins, sweet rolls, tacos, plates of fudge, and Sunday night popcorn and ice cream dinner tradition, she made all who entered her home feel a part of the family.

Betsy Belle gave countless hours as a volunteer. She continued teaching and caring for others as a Sunday School teacher and a Deacon for over 30 years at the First United Presbyterian Church of Troy, NY and leading Cub and Boy Scouts for over 20 years with John. Her involvement in the East Greenbush School District was unparalleled. Over the span of 25 years she served on multiple committees, started art initiative programs, supported the school's theater productions, and promoted the School Board elections. Her dedication to the district and children was recognized by receiving the East Greenbush Teachers Association's Community Member of the Year Award in 2002.

She spent 47 years as a Group Leader, District Advisor, and Human Relations Enrichment Leader for NY State La Leche League. In her own words, “next to raising my own incredible children, working with new mothers as they started their families, learned how to breastfeed and meet both their needs as well as the needs of their babies and young children through positive parenting and discipline, was the most rewarding experience of my adult life.”

Betsy Belle is survived by her devoted husband, John Eadie, and children, James Eadie, Christi (Jeff) Taddeo, Lauren (Jordan) Atkins, Mark (Annie) Eadie, and Johanna (Sam) Deutsch; 11 grandchildren, Drew, Garrett, Liam, Will, Dylan, Jack, Connor, Owen, Benjamin, Robbie, and Allison; her sister, Mary Carol Dragoo; and five nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1:00 pm at First United Presbyterian Church of Troy, 1917 Fifth Avenue, Troy, NY with a reception to follow at the Albany Marriott, 189 Wolf Road, Albany, NY. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She was the quintessential Mom.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to La Leche League https://llli.org/donate/ or American Society of Transplantation  https://www.myast.org/give  in her memory.  We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to view a more detailed obituary, share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.

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