Mary E. Borge

Sterling/Gloucester - Mary E. "Betsy" (Harnish) Borge, 72, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Gloucester, she was the cherished daughter of the late Russell and Mary P. (Oliver) Harnish. Betsy graduated from Gloucester High School with the class of 1970, embarking on a life full of love, service, and adventure.

In 1972, Betsy married her beloved husband, Tom Borge also of Gloucester. Within a year they began a meandering journey across the US and Canada that took them from Gloucester to the California Bay Area where they lived and grew for 9 years before returning to Rockport on Cape Ann. They finally settled in Sterling, where they have resided for the past 37 years. Betsy's profound compassion for others led her to a career in nursing. She earned her LPN from the Addison Gilbert Hospital School of Nursing and later achieved her RN from Merritt College in Oakland California. For over 35 years, she devoted herself to the care of children and their families; first as a Pediatric ICU Nurse at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Oakland then as a Newborn Pediatric Nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester.

Betsy found joy in nature's beauty. She loved trips to the beach and cherished the proximity to Wachusett Mountain, where she could be found skiing in the winter and hiking in the warmer months. Above all, Betsy was a dedicated mother and grandmother, whose greatest joy came from the love and laughter of her family.

Betsy is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 52 years, Thomas Borge of Sterling; her daughter, Heather Leroux and her partner, Jeff Normand of Charlton; her sons, Adam Borge of Worcester and Darren Borge and his wife Tiffany of Princeton; her brother, Russell "Rusty" Harnish, Jr. and his wife, Kathy of Rockport; her sister, Cindy Donovan of Beverly; and her cherished grandchildren, DJ Leroux, Jacob Leroux, Abbigail Borge, Abram Normand, Emily Borge, Michael Borge, Cade Normand, and Abby Normand; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Jonathan "Jodie" Harnish, and her sisters, Laurel "Laurie" J. Harnish, Linda Nichols, and Janine Swicker.

Family and friends are invited to attend memorial calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. A memorial service will be held privately. To share a memory or offer an online condolence visit the Tribute Wall on this page.