Betty Jo Macdonald

She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Donald, and her three daughters, Kathy Whalen (Jim), Lynn Rivers (Tom Derion), and Janis Koshgarian (Bob). Betty was predeceased by her son David Macdonald, and her three siblings, Evelyn Garrison, Carolyn Tiihonen, and Benjamin Smith. Family survivors also include her brothers’ in law Larry Garrison and Desmond Tiihonen, and her sister in law, Pat Smith. Betty adored her 6 grandchildren, Shawn Rivers (Margaret), Erica Rivers, James Whalen (Tristine), Lindsey Duclos (Tom), Lauren Aguera (Luke), and Alex Koshgarian, and her 5 great grandchildren, Kelsi, Kaden, and Isla Rivers, and Parker and Emma Duclos.

Born in Sumter, SC, Betty was the eldest of four children with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins nearby. She graduated from Sumter HS and attended Lander College in Columbia SC. After marrying Don in 1955, they moved to Larson Air Force Base, WA where they lived for a year, then to Oneonta NY, before settling in Slingerlands NY where they raised their 4 children. Betty was a stay at home mother for many years where she was an avid gardener, Girl Scout Troop leader, became the secretary at the Slingerlands Methodist Church, and began working for the NYS Dept. of Labor retiring in 1995.

After retirement Betty and Don began traveling during the winter months across the nation in their motor home visiting friends and family, exploring National Parks, while on a quest to find “the perfect place to retire.” In 2001, they discovered Melbourne, FL near Patrick AFB where they built a beautiful home and spent the next 24 years enjoying retirement life with exceptional neighbors and their dog Mac. Betty was a gifted seamstress, enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, and antiquing as well as exploring the Florida parks with her grandchildren. At the Officer’s Club and the Base Marina, they met many like-minded retirees with whom they became fast friends. The ensuing years were spent cruising the high seas to multiple overseas destinations, attending Sunday Brunches, Ladies Club Luncheons and dancing at Friday happy hour at the Base Marina.

Betty lived with Alzheimer’s Disease for many years. We were grateful to keep her at home with the support of family and friends. The family will celebrate Betty’s life privately.

Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in Betty’s memory would be greatly appreciated.