Tributes to Betsy from across the world.

"Betsy was a truly remarkable and wonderful human being, and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her." - Columbia University, New York City

"Betsy was an amazing woman who made substantial contributions to the bone world. She will be greatly missed."  – New Zealand

"I am so sorry for your loss of Betsy. Please, accept my condolences." - Denmark

"We are extremely sorry about Betsy's departure.  We shared many festive moments, and we will always remember her warm and lively approach to life and her easy ways of getting together with us and with everyone around her. Her smile will always be with us." - Mexico

"Sad is Sad. We really loved you as real friends, and we are always going to remember our dinners in Mexico City and Mérida and the singing in Cancun and her beautiful quality to be happy." – Mexico

"I am very sorry for your loss. I missed Betsy during ASBMR. She was always so nice." - Sweden

"So sorry to hear the news of Betsy’s passing.  She is – and always will be - my top example of a compassionate and professional healthcare provider.  I remember the years we worked together with my office between the two of you as you both cared for the patients in clinic– experiencing firsthand the reason why we do the work we do.   The lessons learned from you and Betsy have stayed with me to this day." - Massachusetts

"Thank you for sharing with us this beautiful picture. The pictures itself captures the essence of both of you, always with a smile in your face, like an invitation for happiness! I thank God we met you both.  Meeting you made a difference in our lives!" - Colombia

"I am so sorry to hear the news about Betsy. She was such a bright light and it was an incredible privilege and joy to meet and to know her."  – California

"I just learned today of Betsy’s passing and was deeply moved.  While I did not interact with her that much, everyone in the field recognizes her.  Her cheerful and caring presence would light up the room.  I know that she was your partner in so many ways". - Massachusetts

"I was so, so sorry to learn the news about Betsy. I am sure that it is very difficult to say goodbye to your soul mate, friend and partner. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She always inspired me with her warmth as well as her ability to be a wonderful mother and an amazing professional."  - Portland

"You and Betsy served as an amazing example for us and couples everywhere.  Beyond Betsy’s important contributions to the field and the society, that will be another lasting legacy of hers." - California

"I have just learned the very sad news regarding your wife. I want to wish you and your family my deepest sympathy. I will clearly have a special thought in my prayers today for her as well as for you." – Switzerland

"I was saddened to hear about Betsy this week.  I know she was an incredibly brave woman who made massive contributions to the field of mineral metabolism."  – North Carolina

"I must say that I find myself without words to describe what I feel at this moment. The only word I can find that seems somewhat right is sad. Distance, and maybe denial gave me an illusion of time, despite having read your recent messages. Betsy was one of the wisest women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and in the too few opportunities in which I could enjoy her presence I have never failed to learn from her. Her kind eyes and sweet smile have always seemed to hide the patience of sages in them.  My family and I are truly honored to have had her friendship and care."

• "I can never imagine your pain or mom's, but there is a feeling very similar right now as when we lost my dad: the feeling of the world losing a sage. I feel extremely honored to have shared moments with Betsy, and I will forever hold her in my heart."
• I have also heard the news, and would also want to share at least some words with you. I believe I am way too young to understand even a fraction of how empty you must be feeling, but I think I can assimilate to how I felt when my father was gone, too. You were here for us and have always been the most cheerful, friendly companion. And hard times come to everyone, unfortunately. Your wife was an extraordinary woman. She was the example of a successful person, we all saw her as an example. There is always going to be Betsy in our hearts, as she left this world the best way she could: peacefully and loved."

– from a friend and her 2 daughters in Brazil

"Betsy will forever be one of my most valued friends and confidantes."  - Portland

"We are very very saddened by this news. We were devastated to hear the diagnosis 3 years ago but it was wonderful to see how great she did for so long in her usual courageous and up-beat manner with you at her side. I am so grateful to have gotten to know Betsy. She was a truly wonderful, generous and inspiring person.  It is a huge loss." - Seattle

"Thank you for letting us know of Betsy's passing.  Her spirit is so wonderful." – Bend, OR

"I was so saddened to hear of Betsy’s passing.   Betsy was such a remarkable woman, including with how she fought her cancer battle and refused to stop living.  I’m so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and know her.  I hope your many amazing memories and experiences with Betsy will sustain you as you find new ways to carry Betsy with you always, in a different way." - Portland

"I was so sorry to hear of Betsy's passing! My deepest sympathies and compassion as you navigate this huge loss! She was a beautiful lady, inside and out! I have such fond memories of her, and of my years with both of you!" - Hawaii

"Oh my.  My heart breaks for you and Holly, and all those who loved the remarkable Betsy -- a strong, funny, adventurous and beautiful woman.  I feel privileged to have spent such wonderful times with you both, and in particular - more recently - to have heard about your wonderful love story.   There are no words to express my sorrow for the emptiness you must feel, but hopefully you can find some solace knowing that she lives on in your and all of our hearts.  All those memories!!" – Harvard Medical School, Boston

"Very very sad news about Betsy. While expected, expectation does not make such a loss much easier emotionally. Betsy was beautiful, outside and inside. And she was one of the most charming women I ever met. You have been a fantastic companion in her ordeal. Your love, your support, your energy, your optimism, your smile and laughter in these difficult times, even more difficult for her I am sure, must have been providing Betsy with so much help and comfort. Admirable, both of you. Open about it all but confident and positive despite the harshness of the news." – Harvard Medical School, Boston

"I was saddened to learn that Betsy has died. I was very surprised as she was so active and full of life." –University of California at San Francisco

"I admired Betsy and the session she started at ASBMR was one of my favorites . Plus she was such a nice and fun person . Great smile and she seemed to love life!" – University of Pittsburgh

"It is impossible to know what to say other than I am so very sorry. I've been thinking about both of you the past few weeks and wishing you both strength from afar. What a great and lovely lady – she will be missed far and wide." – Columbia University, New York

"I was so sorry to hear of Betsy’s passing. She will be missed by so many in the bone community."
–Washington DC

"You and Betsy have influenced my career and passion for Osteoporosis care so much."  - Seattle

"I am sorry for your loss. I hope you have the strength to overcome this difficult time with great faith and that Betsy can pass to her new life stage with light and serenity." - Brazil

"I am so sorry to hear the sad news. My heart is broken and I am thinking of you and your family!   You shared a love so unique; it will last longer than a lifetime." - Australia

"Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your wife Betsy. She will always be remembered for her kind and gracious personality as well as her very significant contributions to the bone field." - South Africa

"I am very sorry about Betsy. She was a great woman! Now she can rest in peace." - Brazil

"I heard with sadness, the passing of Betsy. Betsy's loss will have impact to many of us who were friends as well as colleagues." – Canada

"I was so sorry to learn that Betsy passed away. She was a wonderful smart fun person and I was always happy to see her. You and she were such a wonderful team." – New York City

"We have just learned that Betsy passed away. We loved her and knew her for many years. It was always a pleasure to meet her with her enthusiasm, energy, a big smile and a wonderful sense of humor, as well as feeling the sense of togetherness and the close bond between you. No words are going to comfort you, maybe the wonderful memories you shared together will bring some relief." - Israel

"I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Betsy. She was such a vibrant, radiant, person and I’m very glad to have met her during one of your visits to Oxford – I will always remember her infectious enthusiasm and her lovely smile!" - United Kingdom

"Betsy brought her typical sparkle and energy to what could have been a very somber event.  She always knew intuitively how to make a difficult situation easier to get through. Just one of her many gifts." - Portland

Excepted posts from The Oregonian, Portland’s newspaper

"There are no words to express my sorrow at the loss of Betsy. I have lost a dear friend in nursing, nursing education, and in the osteoporosis journey."

"Betsy was simply a twinkle...her dear eyes would smile along with her face. She was someone who always brought a warm and genuine presence, no matter what the arena. Our worlds were related to osteoporosis, calcium, nutrition and education...and whenever our group intersected with Betsy at the Oregon Osteoporosis Center, the professional friendships were at their best. May you find comfort in your countless memories and Betsy's radiance."

"I worked with Betsy at OHSU and always appreciated her humor, intelligence and integrity. I am so sorry that all of you have lost her too soon."

"I knew Betsy from her days at OHSU. She was a great person to work with and always an inspiration to me. She will be missed."

"Betsy McClung was my encouraging, enthusiastic and wise supervisor at Oregon Osteoporosis Center. It was fun to sit with her in her office, she was personable and transparent. The best of Betsy came out in our staff meetings, where she congratulated staff accomplishments, shared in our joys, and used her pragmatism to plan for the Center. Her sense of humor was always close by. Her style was something to be envied; she always looked polished in a pencil skirt. I loved the Christmas parties at the McClung's where she played piano so we could all sing carols. She said that my husband and I were so cute together, and I will always remember that. She was an excellent "bookend" to Dr. McClung."