Elizabeth Sara Asher

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BOXBOROUGH - Elizabeth Asher, age 35, was born Elizabeth Birns in Worcester. She was known by many as Betsy.

Elizabeth leaves her husband, Ryan and their dog Murphy, her mother, Jill Shack of Worcester, her father, Douglas Birns and his wife, Terry of Arlington and Delray Beach, FL; her sister, Amanda Roth and her husband, Mark of Dix Hills, NY; her niece, Emma Roth; her nephews, Jeremy and Adam Roth; her aunt and uncle Wendy and Richard Lubkin of Rye Brook, NY and many cousins and friends. She is also survived by her in-law’s: Justine and Buddy Asher of Reisterstown, MD and her sister- and brother-in law Lisa and Ben Johnston of Hanover, PA. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Audrey and Philip Shack, her nephew, Jacob Roth and her sister, Julie Birns.

Betsy graduated from Dublin School in 2003, and attended American University in Washington DC. During her time in DC, she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and took time off for her health. She eventually earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2015. She completed a Masters of Social Work from Simmons College. Betsy was licensed as a Clinical Social Worker. Although illness prevented her from working for some time, she loved her field and stayed close to many of her coworkers and former classmates.

Betsy loved everyone, but most of all, she loved her husband Ryan. The pair met in 2012 and Betsy knew the first night that he was the one. They were married in 2016. Throughout her adult life, Betsy was beset by illness but never let it dampen her spirit. During these challenging times, Ryan was her favorite and most loving cheerleader. Ryan and Betsy settled in Boxborough this summer. They joined Temple Emunah in Lexington and enjoyed zoom services regularly.

Betsy was a people person who loved making connections and bringing people together. Her exuberant nature, her gregarious personality, and her “We’re going to make this happen” attitude endeared her to her family, friends, clients, and everyone with whom she came in contact. When Betsy walked into a room, with her determined step and flowing red hair, you could not help but stop and smile. This past Christmas, she sponsored a family in need in the eleventh hour and made their wishes come true by reaching out to her many friends and family around the county. Betsy passionately raised funds for PSC Partners Seeking a Cure and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of New England, two charities close to her heart. In 2013, she walked with her sisters and niece and nephew in the CCF Walk in Boston. In 2015, she cycled across Martha’s Vineyard to raise money for PSC Partners Seeking a Cure.

Betsy’s family will gather for a private graveside service at B’nai Brith Cemetery in Worcester. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Development Office at Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. Donations will support the Crohn’s and Colitis research of Dr. Kristin Burke. Donations may also be made to PSC Partners Seeking a Cure, 6900 E. Belleview Ave. Suite 202, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.