In Memory Of
Elizabeth R. Gumustop
1968
2021
Elizabeth R. Gumustop
December 22, 1968 — July 15, 2021
Elizabeth "Betsy" Ruth Gumustop, 52, of Slingerlands, passed away on July 15, 2021, at home surrounded by her family.
Born and raised in Niskayuna, she is the daughter of Richard and Charlotte Stearns.
A natural athlete and leader from birth, she excelled in softball and field hockey at Niskayuna High School. While at high school, Betsy met her husband Bora, an exchange student, where they became high school sweethearts.
She majored in mathematics at the College of Wooster in Ohio, during which time she studied a semester abroad at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Before her graduate studies, she took a year off to live with her husband's family and learn Turkish at Ankara University. Then in 1997, she completed her Ph.D. in Mathematics from Binghamton University-SUNY. She returned home to the Capital Region in 2001 to be close to her family and raise her two children. Every summer, she and her family traveled to their home in Bodrum, Turkey.
She had endless love and care for all those around her. There was nothing more important than making space for those in need.
She brought this dedication to the Bethlehem community running the school book fairs and the thousand books project, leading Parents for Excellence, and coaching and advising Odyssey of the Mind teams. She touched the lives of both children and parents alike.
Even after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009, her inner strength and commitment to those around her did not change. She believed that "life's hardest challenges get dealt to those that can handle it." This shows what a strong and amazing woman she was.
She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Bora, her daughter Selin and son Derin, her brother Chris Stearns, and her parents.
Services will be private.
Please consider making a donation in Betsy's memory to the Bethlehem School District Odyssey of the Mind fund. Checks should be made out to BCMS PTO, with Odyssey of the Mind in the memo and mailed to Bethlehem Odyssey of the Mind c/o BCMS PTO, 332 Kenwood Ave, Delmar, NY 12054.
To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com.
Born and raised in Niskayuna, she is the daughter of Richard and Charlotte Stearns.
A natural athlete and leader from birth, she excelled in softball and field hockey at Niskayuna High School. While at high school, Betsy met her husband Bora, an exchange student, where they became high school sweethearts.
She majored in mathematics at the College of Wooster in Ohio, during which time she studied a semester abroad at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Before her graduate studies, she took a year off to live with her husband's family and learn Turkish at Ankara University. Then in 1997, she completed her Ph.D. in Mathematics from Binghamton University-SUNY. She returned home to the Capital Region in 2001 to be close to her family and raise her two children. Every summer, she and her family traveled to their home in Bodrum, Turkey.
She had endless love and care for all those around her. There was nothing more important than making space for those in need.
She brought this dedication to the Bethlehem community running the school book fairs and the thousand books project, leading Parents for Excellence, and coaching and advising Odyssey of the Mind teams. She touched the lives of both children and parents alike.
Even after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009, her inner strength and commitment to those around her did not change. She believed that "life's hardest challenges get dealt to those that can handle it." This shows what a strong and amazing woman she was.
She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Bora, her daughter Selin and son Derin, her brother Chris Stearns, and her parents.
Services will be private.
Please consider making a donation in Betsy's memory to the Bethlehem School District Odyssey of the Mind fund. Checks should be made out to BCMS PTO, with Odyssey of the Mind in the memo and mailed to Bethlehem Odyssey of the Mind c/o BCMS PTO, 332 Kenwood Ave, Delmar, NY 12054.
To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth R. Gumustop, please visit our flower store.
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