Elizabeth Anne (Lerda) Spalding

Elizabeth Anne Lerda Spalding, 91, of Sewickley, PA, passed away peacefully at Masonic Village after a brief illness, on Thursday, November 13, 2025. She was born in Coatesville, PA to Louis Lerda and Elizabeth Kaiser and spent most of her formative years in Cranford, NJ. After high school she earned her BSN at Duke University. She is survived by her husband Donald W. Spalding(Don), two sisters; Ruth Lerda and Marietta Zliceski, and was preceded in death by her sister Nancy Newsom.

“Betsy” was blessed with three children; Anne (Michael) Courneen, Carol (David) McCormish, and Donald Lerda (Marta) Spalding, and eleven grandchildren; Caitlin (Steven) Sweeney, Sean Courneen, Ryan (Alexandra) Courneen, Casey (Margaret) Courneen, Kirsten Spalding (Michael Deady), Kelsey Spalding (Reginald Smith), Zoe Spalding, Rebecca (Joseph) Casey, Erin (Rhett) Barfield, Heather McCormish, and Emma McCormish, as well as seventeen great-grandchildren.

“Betsy” grew up in a home filled with strong values, faith, and a deep appreciation for family—qualities she valued throughout her life. At just fifteen years of age, Betsy met Don,the love of her life. What began as a youthful friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership rooted in devotion, humor, and unwavering support. They were married in 1956, and shared 69 remarkable years together. Betsy’s children were her pride and joy. She poured her heart into raising her family and delighted in watching them grow. Being “Nana” was one of her greatest honors.

Betsy lived her life with a gentle spirit and a quiet strength. After raising her family, she returned to work at Sewickley Valley Hospital, working in the Home Health Department. She volunteered for the Sewickley Valley Hospital Auxiliary, and was a member of The Child Health Association. Betsy’s perennial gardens were a reflection of who she was—thoughtful, patient, and nurturing. She was a member of the Edgeworth Garden Club, and served on the flower committee at the Sewickley Presbyterian Church. Betsy found joy in gathering with friends, playing bridge, and committing time and effort to volunteer work.

To know Betsy was to know kindness. She had a way of making people feel seen and cared for, offering warmth, wisdom, and a friendly smile to anyone who needed it. Her presence made the world gentler. A service will be held at the Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 414 Grant Street, Sewickley, PA 15143, on December 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to a charity of your choice. Betsy will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on—in her family, in the gardens she tended, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

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