Elizabeth Ingwersen McBratney

Elizabeth I. McBratney, age 97, passed away in New Bedford, MA, on July 5, 2022. Born on May 22, 1925, to John and Marianne Ingwersen, she grew up in Middletown, OH. In 1947, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After graduation, she worked in the millinery department at Higbee’s in Cleveland, OH, where she met her husband-to be, Dr. J. Greer McBratney. Shortly after marrying in 1950, they moved to the East Coast, eventually settling in South Dartmouth, MA, where they raised five children. A passionate, imaginative, and discerning gardener, she joined the Garden Club of Buzzards Bay in 1965 and served as a member and officer of that organization for over 50 years. She also served as a judge of various state and national gardening competitions. Through the Garden Club, she found, in her words, “a sense of fellowship” outside the home. In addition to tending her extensive home gardens, she read avidly, played tennis regularly, and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had a flawless ear for correct grammar and pronunciation and a quiet, bantering wit.

Her husband, her son Peter, and two grandchildren (Ben and Peter) having predeceased her, she is survived by her five children and their spouses—John McBratney (Betsy Cline) of Chardon, OH; Susan Powell (Matt) of Scarborough, ME; Ann Stickney (Andy) of Cape Elizabeth, ME; Peg Gildersleeve (Mark) of S. Dartmouth, MA; and James McBratney (Lea) of S. Dartmouth, MA and by 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held later this summer. Instead of sending flowers, please consider donating to the Garden Club of Buzzards Bay, PO Box 80235, South Dartmouth, MA 02748.

Arrangements are in the care of the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at DARTMOUTH, 230 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth, MA 02748. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com