Betsy (Murphy) Skaroff

Betsy Skaroff (nee Murphy), 61, a dance costume designer of 25 years and devoted mother, daughter, and sister, passed away at home on Monday, June 28th, 2021, following a year-long battle with acute myeloid leukemia, in Newtown, PA.

Even in the face of life’s difficulties, Betsy remained an optimistic, motivated, and loving woman, leaving a lasting impression on nearly everyone she met. Betsy followed her passion and successfully pursued a career she loved, while never failing to be there for the people in her life.

Betsy was born on August 1st, 1959, the first daughter of Jerry and Barbara Murphy (nee Patricoski). She was the beautiful wife of 36 years to Richard M. Skaroff, M.D., and loving and supportive mother of daughters Lauren and Kelsey, son Matthew Skaroff, Esq., and his wife, Monica Vega, M.D. Betsy loved and cared for her cats, Rudy and Charlie, who are left in good hands.

The long-time resident of Yardley, Pennsylvania is survived by sisters Susan LeMunyan, and her husband Gregory LeMunyan, of New Hope, Pennsylvania; Jacqueline Lundy, and her husband James Lundy, Esq., of Princeton, New Jersey; brothers Kevin Murphy, partnered by Cindy Waltrip Fuerlinger, of Jacobus, Pennsylvania; and Michael Murphy, of Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Betsy is also survived by nieces and nephews: Chloe LeMunyan, Adam Murphy, Mikaila Skaroff, Logyn Murphy, Taylor Murphy, Justin Murphy, Owen Lundy and Conor Lundy.

Betsy grew up in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, attended Upper Dublin High School, and graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Communications in 1981.

Betsy was a passionate lover of fashion. From an early age, she was sketching, designing, and sewing. She was always up to date with the latest styles, and she got her first taste of the fashion industry when she modeled for John Wanamaker her senior year of high school. Following college, Betsy began her career at Macy’s as a retailer buyer and then became involved in its private label development.

Betsy spent 24 years enjoying her work at A Wish Come True, in Bristol, Pennsylvania, ultimately becoming the design director and head designer. Betsy was described by her coworkers as a brilliant mind with impeccable design taste and a business sense, who was an excellent leader and manager of her team. Betsy allowed hard work and fun to coexist, as she was both professional and kind while she pursued her life passion. She was an absolute pleasure to work with and an inspiration for those within the company.

While at A Wish Come True, Betsy worked with her design team to create over 1,000 dance costume designs in more than 10 annual catalogs. Her children fondly recall memories their mother excitedly pointing out her designs whenever they appeared on television programs, such as “Dancing With The Stars.”

Betsy enjoyed observing the beauty of nature in all of its forms, exercising, practicing her Catholic faith, exploring new restaurants with friends and family, traveling, supporting Philadelphia sports teams, and spending time with her three children.

Betsy was kind, caring, creative, intelligent, funny, positive, persevering, and beautiful both inside and out. Perhaps most notably, Betsy was endlessly grateful for what life had to offer.

Thank you, Lord, for sending the wonderful gift of her life to us! She is now returning to you after leading a beautiful life. We will love and cherish her forever. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Betsy’s funeral mass 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 10th, at Saint Ignatius of Antioch Parish at 999 Reading Avenue, Yardley, Pennsylvania, 19067. There will be a Visitation 9:30 - 10:45 AM.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Saint Ignatius of Antioch Parish, 999 Reading Avenue, Yardley, Pennsylvania, 19067, as well as the Leukemia Research Foundation.