Elizabeth Severson Nimock

1933 - 2017

Elizabeth Severson Nimock obituary, 1933-2017, Clayton, MO

BORN

1933

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel

9450 Olive Blvd

Saint Louis, Missouri

Elizabeth Nimock Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 9, 2017.

Betsy Nimock (born Elizabeth Severson) passed peacefully into life-with-God on Thursday, March 9th, 2017. After battling Alzheimer's for many years, she encountered respiratory problems and passed away within a few short hours. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren who were there to be with her and say goodbye. There were hugs, farewells and prayers throughout the evening.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Knox, brothers Jack, Bill, Jim and David and beloved granddaughter, Katie Grace.

Betsy was born on May 27th, 1933, the daughter of Conrad and Elizabeth Severson. Betsy graduated from Lindenwood College with a degree in art and went on to teach art for that institution. She married John Knox Nimock and, together, they had five children. As a wife and mother, Betsy created a beautiful home and was known for putting on special birthday celebrations, telling marvelous stories to the children in her carpool and making amazing Halloween costumes. She and Knox loved to throw parties and entertain. They were very involved with the St. Louis Players Guild and they were long time members at Central Presbyterian church.

She became an entrepreneur and started a number of successful businesses in St. Louis including Quelle Quiche and Marni's in Webster Groves, a needlepoint shop and tea room that was named for her mother.

She later returned to her art. Loving collage and the work of women's hands, she used vintage quilts, old photographs and paints to create powerful images . Betsy had an amazing studio full of quilt pieces, antique lace, charcoal enhanced photos and all sorts of interesting flotsam. Nothing made her happier than to have her friends and family over to "create" in her studio.

Her signature piece, "Americana", was chosen as the poster piece for the 1989 Odense Denmark Quilt National. She was flown in as a keynote speaker for this event. The same piece was used as the signature piece for the inaugural exhibit at the newly opened New York Folk Museum and was featured on the cover of the New York City "Guide to the Arts" that week.

She also pioneered "The Flag Project," an art project that helped elementary students to define a character trait they valued and create an art piece around it. One quilt expert remarked, "She was a rock star in the quilting world!"

Betsy had an amazing faith, not just a stodgy, religious faith but a laughing, hearty faith, that welcomed people with wide open arms. Her reliance on God for all things, large and small, from parking spots to medical coverage, was well known to her friends and family! She would often joke, "They say God looks after drunks and fools. Well, I don't drink, so you know what that makes me." She had many stories of God's provision in her life, including the time she couldn't get medical insurance after her husband's death. She prayed and ended up signing up for classes at a local community college just to become eligible for student medical coverage. Oddly, one of those classes opened the way for her to sing as a part of a choral group at Carnegie Hall in New York City. This is particularly remarkable since most of her life she couldn't sing a note on key!

Betsy had many good friends and there are many who could share stories of her support when they were going through tough times. For her grandchildren, who knew her as "Besty", she had a huge colorful wall in her home dedicated to showcasing and honoring their art. She loved her family and spending summers together in Nantucket. She often said, "A penny saved is a penny earned, but time spent doing something fun with someone you love is a great investment."

Toward the end of her life, Betsy was unable to do her art any more but she still had a keen eye for the beauty in nature around her. One evening, as she and I (her daughter) went for a walk, there was a beautiful orange and gold sunset. She stopped and looked at me and said, "That's GOD!" I listened and then started to walk ahead, but she stopped me and said emphatically, "And He isn't just making this up!!!"

Later, as her words began to leave her, Betsy would collect the beautiful autumn leaves that lay on the ground. He hands would be full of them when she came home from our walks. One day, she stooped over a particularly lovely leaf and quietly said, "And this is what He does with the ones He is letting go..."

Even as Alzheimer's stripped away our mother's abilities, it revealed glints of gold that are hard to forget.

It is with great joy we envision our Betsy in God's presence, laughing with old friends, recalling good times and loving her new life in Heaven. It is with thankfulness we recall her life and the life she gave to us.

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August 5, 2017

When I married Betsy's brother, David, in 1989, I gained a fantastic sister-in-law, Betsy, who expanded my world in ways I couldn't even imagine. Betsy was a treasure in my life, exposed me to hands-on art projects, convinced me that I, too, could be creative, and taught me how the creative arts communicate the joy, despair, hope, fear and character of society as a whole. Betsy was one of a kind, and her life made a positive difference in the lives of so many - including mine. Rest in peace, Betsy. Carol (Severson) Carey - Middleton, Wisconsin

June 19, 2017

Friend

Richard Landow

Betsy was an amazing kind woman I had the good fortune to call my friend . I will treasure the memory of time spent in her company discussing the spiritual nature of life and the blessings of God . Very sad to here of her passing . God Bless Her In Heaven .

April 23, 2017

Friend

Brian Cherrick

Betsy Nimock was a dear friend of my parents and one of the most amazing people I have ever known.
Her joy of life and love of God and family where the source of a caring and creative spirit filled with kindness and generosity.
I grew up visiting the Nimocks on Christmas Day each year and was told many stories of hilarious antics, jokes and pranks Betsy would play on friends and family. All who knew her, adored her.
She will remain in our hearts forever!
With great affection, my sympathies to The Nimock Family.

April 5, 2017

DeAn Dillard

I am so sorry to hear of Betsy's passing. I truly believe that our friendship was a God thing. It is an interesting story of how we met and then partnered on the flag project with elementary students in Kersey, Colorado. Betsy's passion for having students explore character traits was so contagious. I still hear comments from parents about how important those flags are to them and their now adult children. Betsy touched the lives of many children through her flags! What an amazing woman she was. My time with her in her workshop working on an art project just for me will never be forgotten. I love the artwork we produced, and I won't forget the stories that were told while we produced the work. What a wonderful memories I have of my time with her. The thing I appreciated most about Betsy was the phone calls I would get, asking me if there was something going on in my life that needed prayer. And every single time I got one of those calls I was in great need of prayer. She would immediately pray for me on the phone. She had a unique connection to God and people! Betsy was one of a kind. I will miss her!

March 26, 2017

Doris {Beaumar} Shaw

Betsy was an LC friend who introduced me to my husband-to-be by arranging a blind date more than 60 years ago. I last saw her at our 50th class reunion in 2005. She seemed well and happy then. Bob Shaw died in Feb, 2016, and now Betsy, too, is gone from this place, but her wonderful personality and incredible talent will live on in the hearts of all of us who were touched by her full and accomplished life. I'm certain she's still doing her best to make it work out for others.

March 25, 2017

Marilyn Gordon

Today is March 25th and I have just learned that Betsy died over two weeks ago. I am so sorry. Yes,she was a talented, fascinating woman. My association with her goes back to our years at Lindenwood...and resumed when I returned to STL in 1983. I am stunned. RIP dear Betsy.

March 24, 2017

Friend

Randy Mayfield

What a wonderful and gifted woman of God! Such an example of God's love to so many. Betsy, I have so many fond memories of your great smile and laugh, your fun and warm spirit. I know that you are smiling more than ever now as you stand in the presence of the One who loves you most. You're now where you were created to be, the New Jerusalem, no more tears, no more sorry, no more Alzheimers... just love and joy in the presence of Jesus. May your memory live on in our children and grandchildren and in the lives of the many who loved you. We'll see you soon! Blessings, Randy Mayfield

March 24, 2017

Mary Suzanne Crockett

This is the best obituary I've ever read...and it still doesn't do justice to extraordinary Betsy! She was a sparkler that God lit to bring joy, beauty, and festivity to all. No one is having a better time in Heaven than she is. So much love to her beloved family.

March 22, 2017

Justin Nimock

My dear Besty, I am emotional over your passing not because I am sad but because I am happy. I am so blessed to have had the pleasure of calling you my grandmother! You invoked a pure essence of love and a zest for life that has made a lasting impact on my life as well as so many others. Your spirit lives on in all those you have loved, and your soul has been set free to experience the great abundance of God's love. I will think about you often and will carry on the joyful, humble, and generous values that you shared with me in each and every experience we had together.
Forever loved!

March 18, 2017

Dennis & Mary Fales

Forever grateful to have had Betsy and Knox in our lives. We send love to their family.

March 15, 2017

Alex

My family is extremely saddened of all of Elizabeth's family. During these difficult times we pray that you will find comfort in knowing that Elizabeth will forever be in God's memory. We pray that you all find comfort in the God of peace (Psalm 83:18).

March 12, 2017

Nancy Moe Nowlin

Truly the most wonderful fascinating woman I ever had the privileged to call friend. Stemming back before kindergarten thru HS and Lindenwood. Our parents were dear friends Her family cherished her and as difficult these past years have been the memories have given everyone support and comfort. I remember her first date with Knox. A piece of my life has entered the Eternal home. ❤❤❤❤my dear friend.

March 10, 2017

Liz Stern

You taught me that it never hurts to ask. You stopped for sunsets and showed me rainbows. I love you forever. XXOO. Your god daughter Liz.

March 11, 2017

What an amazing woman. So happy that I got to know her. Hugs and prayers to the Nimock family.

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