Mary "Bet" Amsden Zern was a caring and giving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who left this world suddenly on January 3, 2021. She was second of four children of Clarence and Helen Amsden. After graduating from Woodstock Union High School, she left Vermont for the University of Michigan where she met her future husband, Richard Zern, at a church square dance for new students. Together they were proud Wolverine alumni, singing "Hail to the Victors" at all the football games. The Navy brought them further west, to California. Together they had two children, Rick and Wendy, and she was a loving Grandma to three grandsons. She was a genuinely giving person, with a common phrase heard from her of "Anything I can do to help you?" Mary "Bet" was an elementary school teacher in Long Beach for 30 years. Dedication to caring for others, especially children was demonstrated with her work supervising and guiding student teachers through Cal State Long Beach and with her involvement with church activities and fund raisers, Assistance League, PEO, and a local Children's Dental Health Clinic. After retirement Richard and Mary traveled extensively, with her favorite places being wherever it was warm and sunny. Hawaii and Palm Desert were common destinations. Mary "Bet" enjoyed local theater and music productions, sitting in the sunshine, and most importantly spending time with family and friends.

A graveside service for Mary will be held on Saturday June 5, 2021 in the Main Street Cemetery in Hardwick, Vermont beginning at 2:00pm

The Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock is assisting the family. An online guest book can be found at cabotfh.com