Woman’s legacy lives on to help seniors

Some people spend their whole lives giving to others. And for some people, that’s just a start. Their generous spirit lives on and the giving continues long after they’ve passed away.

So is the case with Elizabeth West. Her story is one of compassion.

Born in 1946 Waterville, Betty, as she was known to those who loved her, graduated from Brewer High School and the University of Maine, going on to teach math at Winslow High School and Center Drive School in Orrington.

“Betty was a past worthy adviser of Hampden Assembly International Order of Rainbow for Girls and past district deputy of International Order of Rainbow for Girls, receiving the Grand Cross of Color from the organization,” said Pricilla Vail, Betty’s good friend. “This is an award of outstanding service in the organization.”

But it was not just children who benefited from Betty’s benevolent nature. She delivered Meals for Me for 16 years with her husband, Jim.

“Betty’s father was a very good and faithful volunteer and delivered for Meals for ME,” said Gail Ward, director of nutrition at Eastern Agency on Aging. “When he could no longer deliver the meals, not wanting his clients to have to get used to someone entirely new, Betty and Jim decided to keep it in the family and took over where her father left off.

“Even though sometimes she wasn’t feeling well, as she suffered from diabetes, she rode along with Jim, who actually delivered the meals after working the night shift,” Ward said. “She was always cheerful and caring and the clients were really concerned when she was too ill to come anymore. Jim, however, continued to deliver until he became ill. They were truly a lovely couple.”

Along with lunch, the couple provided food for thought.

“They established a book swap for the clients on their Meals for ME route,” said Vail. “Sadly, Betty subsequently lost her eyesight and developed kidney failure due to her disease. After the loss of her husband, she was dependent on people to give her rides to appointments, and later to dialysis treatments. It was her dream to be able to offer transportation services to those like herself who do not qualify for other services offered for transportation.”

And so she did.

“Betty had too much income to obtain rides funded by MaineCare, and needed assistance that the public transportation system was unable to provide, so she was forced to take taxis to the dialysis center,” said Val Sauda, director of community services at EAA. “The cost of taxis became very expensive when she rode to dialysis three times a week. In addition, she was on a long waiting list to get into an assisted living facility, so she needed to purchase private home care services.”

Betty West made her dream of helping seniors, like herself, with transportation and home care a reality.

“Upon her death, Betty bequeathed much-needed and appreciated funds to Eastern Agency on Aging to assist seniors who have chronic illness get to their medical appointments and stay in their homes as long as possible,” said Sauda. “She wanted her legacy to be one of continuing the work she started on earth.”

Noelle Merrill, executive director at Eastern Agency on Aging, is also grateful for Betty’s kindness.

“Sharing one’s wealth with others in need is a wonderful way to leave a legacy in your name for a very long time,” said Merrill. “Betty West had that kind of vision. If you wish to add to the Elizabeth West Fund balance to help seniors in Eastern Maine, give Eastern Agency on Aging a call.

“It’s important to keep in mind that if you decide to contribute funds to a nonprofit organization in your will or from a portion of your assets,” Merrill said, “you must always use the correct name of the agency, and better yet, specify the appropriate uses for your gift.”

There are guidelines to use the Elizabeth West Memorial Fund, added Sauda. Those who benefit from the fund must:

. Be 50 years of age or older.

. Not be eligible for MaineCare.

. Be in financial need of assistance for transportation to medical appointments or some short-term home health services while waiting for placement in an assisted living facility or nursing facility.

. Live in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington or Hancock County.

“Eastern Agency on Aging does charge a 20 percent co-payment for the services in order to help sustain the program,” said Sauda. “We want to be sure we are able to continue Betty’s dream and have her compassion live on.”

For more information about the program, call EAA at 941-2865.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org, or visit www.eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.