Joseph S. Betts, M.D. passed away on February 20,2024, at the age of 88. The youngest child of Frances and Carroll Betts, he was born in Alma, Michigan, spending his childhood years in Gaylord, Michigan.
Always a student, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14, becoming the third member of his family to do so. From a young age, Joe aspired to be a physician, and went on to attend the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, where he spent his entire academic career.
He was a cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School, and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Prior to going into private practice, Joe held the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland. The bulk of his career was spent at Healthcare for Women in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he practiced OBGYN for nearly 35 years, and delivered an estimated 9,000 babies.
In his later years, Joe took up golf, playing at both The Kittansett Club in Marion, Massachusetts, where his love of the sea combined with his new passion, and at Naples Lakes Country Club in Naples, Florida, where he made his home.
He is survived by his wife Jane-Lee, son Michael (Diana), daughter Jennifer Fisher (Scott) and father to Susannah Quirion (Michael). In addition, he leaves four grandchildren, Alex Fisher, Gray Betts, Owen Quirion and Samantha Quirion as well as Chloe kitty, who never left his side.
Donations may be made in his name to Community Nurse Home Care, 62 Center St., Fairhaven, Massachusetts 02719.
Private arrangements are being overseen by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.