Born on Jan. 13, 1940, she was the daughter of Leo and Walter Clark, founders of NCS.

She grew up on the school grounds with her older sister, Kaye and her younger brother, Alan.

After attending NCS, Betty studied at the Putney School, Pembroke College, and Marlboro College. She worked with children for most of her life as a counselor at Camp Treetops, a teacher at North Country School, and as the school’s co-head alongside her husband Harry Eldridge.

Betty married Harry K. Eldridge on April 17, 1960. They raised their children- Anne, twins Kate and Noni, and Alan – in their house across Cascade Road while they worked as teachers at North Country School.

From 1964 to 1969, Betty and Harry ran Camp Gawee, a summer mountaineering camp. In 1970 they assumed the leadership of North Country School following Walter and Leo’s retirement.

Retiring from NCS in 1979, Betty and Harry then opened South Meadow Farm Lodge, a bed and breakfast adjacent to the Mount Van Hoevenberg cross country ski trails. Following Harry’s death Betty sold the Lodge and built her dream house, tapping local talent.

In 1993 she finished construction of a home that represented her passion for an environmentally sensitive lifestyle. Her house was built with a sod roof, wood and stone gathered from her own land, a passive solar design, and rooftop solar panels. It was recognized as the site of the region’s first Solar Net Meter. To say that she was ahead of her time would be an understatement.

Betty also became known for her global work with Greenpeace which included voyages on the Rainbow Warrior. She served as a board member of the Adirondack Council, and she was an ardent supporter of North Country School/Camp Treetops. She volunteered for the Red Cross and loved her “Book Club Babes.” Betty was always ready to lend a helping hand.

A lifelong organic farmer, bird feeder, hiker, biker, skier, skater, cello player, singer, horseback rider, quilter, baker, and loyal friend, there was not much she did not enthusiastically embrace. She was a beautiful woman with boundless energy, a wonderful sense of humor and a passion for life. Betty was a brave, fun, and loving woman whose door was always open. She welcomed all with her broad smile, famously strong loving hugs and selfless generosity.

Betty was devoted to her family. She leaves behind her four children, brother Alan Clark, and six grandchildren: Sarah and Justin Perry, Erin and Amy Weaver, and Alex and Ian Eldridge.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 4th at North Country School and Camp Treetops.

Donations in her memory may be made to North Country School and Camp Treetops. If you choose to direct your gift to a specific area, please consider supporting the NCS horse program. North Country School and Camp Treetops 4382 Cascade Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946.