Elizabeth 'Betty' Powell, 94

Betty was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Elizabeth McMillan Mathew and George Mathew in August of 1925. She died at the end of February 2020.

Betty is survived by three generations of grandchildren and her two children, Sharon and Eric.

One of the blessings of our adulthood has been the opportunity to “see” our mother through the “eyes” of her friends.

Elizabeth Powell, “Betty,” was interesting to be around. She was curious about everything. She had energy to burn for discovering her world and its people; whether they were family, friends, neighbors, or a chance acquaintance made during one of her many travels. Have hat, will travel!

Betty could charm you within five minutes and stay a friend for life. She seemed to have an emotional “tuning fork,” which guided her choices. She stood by the people and causes she cared about with an intense passion.

Scottish to the core, she embraced life. Betty attended James Gillespie’s High School for Girls in Edinburgh. Barely an adolescent as World War II began, she grew up quickly. The Battle of Britain pulled most men to war and Betty to work at age 15. She was current account bookkeeper at the head office of Clydesdale Bank of Scotland. Fire bomb watch on the bank roof was shared by all employees, including her.

The springtime of Betty’s life and World War II collided in romance. Betty met Bill, a dashing member of the American Army Air Corps. They dated during the war and married in the USA after the war in September 1946.

Betty and Bill settled in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts where they lived in the towns of Cummington and Windsor for 50 years. They led active professional and community lives while they raised their children.

Betty went to back to school to become a nurse. She worked at Pittsfield General Hospital and for a group of internists.

Betty moved to Kalispell to be nearer family after Bill died. She lived in Kalispell over 20 years and participated in many social, volunteer and church activities. She supported the library as a volunteer for many years. You may recall her Scottish accent reminding you that the book you put on hold was ready.

Donations to the Friends of the Library in Betty’s name with a check made out to “Flathead Friends of the Library" mailed to 247 1st Ave. East, Kalispell, MT 59901 would be a nice way to remember her.

Betty’s family will gather in Windsor, Massachusetts, to place her remains beside Bill’s at a future date.