Betsy Lehman

Dr. Betsy Lehman, 91, passed away on January 31, 2025, at Greencroft Healthcare.  Betsy was born on Dec 3, 1933, in Beatrice, Nebraska to Henry and Helen (Wiebe) Hirschler.  On June 1,1957, she married the love of her life, Jim Lehman, in Beatrice, Nebraska.  Together, they graduated from Bethel College in Newton, Kansas, where she received her nursing degree, and then Indiana University, where she received her master’s degree in nursing.  She later earned her PhD in nursing education from Columbia University.

Betsy devoted her life to teaching future generations of nurses.  She was a professor of nursing at Pace University in New York for many years.  During her time at Pace, she planned and led trips for students and professional nurses to India, Nepal, Egypt, Israel, South Korea, and Taiwan.  She also presented professional papers at international nursing conferences in Taiwan and South Korea.

Along with her husband, Betsy lived in India for 25 years.  She was a consultant to The Christian Medical Association of India where she, along with several Indian colleagues, developed nursing curriculum for schools of nursing, authored several textbooks, and conducted workshops throughout the country.  A new building at the Sister Florence College of Nursing, an affiliate of Kolkota University, was named after Betsy as recognition for her contributions to nursing education in India.

Betsy’s Christian faith and her family were of upmost importance to her.  She was an avid world traveler, almost always thinking about and planning her next trip.  Most of her travels were professionally related, but she also loved to explore new places and meet new friends from all over the world.  She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and loved planning family gatherings at our lake house in Indiana.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her son, J. Karl Lehman, granddaughter Anna Barnard, and brother Dan Hirschler.  She is survived by her husband, Dr. Jim Lehman, along with their children: J. Stanley Lehman (Leslie Wade, Atlanta GA), Deanne Lehman (Benjamin Barnard, England), Carole (David) Nasralla (Pagosa Springs CO), Jeffrey (Alison) Lehman (England), Priya (Carey) McDurmon (Clermont GA); 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; brothers Richard (Jean) Hirschler (Goshen IN), John (Esther) Hirschler (Beatrice NE); and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service for Betsy will be held on Saturday, April 12, 4:00 pm, at Assembly Mennonite Church.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the J. Karl Lehman International Scholarship Fund at Goshen College (1700 S. Main St. Goshen, IN 46526), or the Anna Barnard Scholarship Fund at Bethany Christian Schools (2904 S. Main St. Goshen, IN 46526).

Online condolences may be shared at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com.