BURLINGTON, VT. — Hilde Sue Plosker Betts, 59, of Burlington, passed away in the early morning of Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, after a heroic battle with a reoccurring illness. Hilde was born in Queens, N.Y., on Jan. 10, 1954. She was the daughter of Edward William Plosker and Paula Raphael Plosker. Hilde was the third of four children; and is survived by her siblings, George Plosker of Calif., Robert Plosker of Fla., and Linda Plosker Valentine of Pa.
Hilde grew up in the strong, supportive community of the Bell Park Manor Terrace, a Jewish war veterans complex in the Queens Village section of Queens. She found a replica of that strong, supportive community as a well-loved resident of the Five Sisters neighborhood in Burlington.
Hilde attended public schools in Queens and graduated from the Martin Van Buren High School in 1971. Having had the opportunity to attend summer camps in Upstate New York as a teenager, she learned to love the northern woods, lakes and mountains. She then chose to study at the State University of Plattsburgh with an undergraduate major in Nursing. Hilde also studied the Arts, and enjoyed singing opera as well as other musical genres.
After her graduation from SUNY Plattsburgh, she traveled to Marietta, Ga., and studied Chiropractics at the Life Chiropractic College. Hilde graduated with her Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine and then returned to the northern region to begin practices in Stowe and Burlington, Vt., in the early 1980s. Hilde had a very active practice, where she was sought out by patients for her expertise with pregnant women and myofascial release. Hilde was a very caring health practitioner, and worked diligently with her patients to relieve their pain. Throughout the years of practice, she was very giving of her time and knowledge to others.
Hilde is survived by her loving son, William Betts of Burlington, who is a student at the University of Vermont. She was previously married to Timothy Betts of South Burlington. Hilde is also survived by her niece, Carla Valentine of N.J.; and nephew, Edward Valentine of Pa.
Hilde is well-known as a strong community member in the Five Sisters neighborhood in the south end of Burlington. She will be warmly remembered for her walks and bike rides around the block, as well as her attendance at the Little League games at Callahan Park. She was also an involved parent at Champlain Elementary, Edmunds Middle School and Burlington High School. Throughout her many years in Vt., she loved cross-country skiing, bike riding, swimming, gourmet cooking, and helping her neighbors. Her homemade soups are famous. Hilde will be remembered always for her easy smile and heart-felt laughter, as well as her great capacity for empathy for others. She was a strong advocate for what is just.
There will be calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at Ready Funeral Home South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington, VT. A memorial service and celebration of Hilde's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society, 152 Pearl Street, Burlington, VT.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the William Betts Educational Fund, c/o Robin Ploof, 105 Hayward Street, Burlington, VT 05401.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.readyfuneral.com.
