Betty McLane

Betty Joyce (Manley) McLane, 93, of Milton died peacefully at home August 15, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born April 12, 1931, in Burlington, VT to James Leslie Manley Sr. and Gertrude Belle (Mears).

Betty grew up in Milton, VT, where she attended Milton High School, graduating in 1949. After high school she attended nursing training at the Mary Fletcher Allen School of Nursing, completing her training to become a Registered Nurse. On May 29th, 1954, Betty married the love of her life, Alfred “Mac” Varney McLane, Jr. of Fairfax.

Betty and Mac headed south shortly thereafter, where they established their first home in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. While there, Betty worked as an Operating Room nurse, while Mac served in the U.S. Army at Fort Knox, as a small arms instructor. In March 1956, Mac resigned his military commission and Betty and he headed to Detroit, Michigan, where their first child was born.

Their time in Michigan was short lived, as the longing to be near family drew them back to Vermont. Betty and Alfred settled their now growing family in Milton and built their long-term home on a parcel of land on Betty’s parent’s family farm. Once all her children were in school, Betty went back to work, accepting a position as Milton’s first school nurse. For the next 28 years she served the nursing needs for two generations of students at three schools. Following her retirement, Betty continued to fill in when needed as substitute school nurse and volunteered her services in the University of Vermont Medical Center surgical waiting room.

Together Betty and Alfred raised four children. Betty really loved her family and was quick to provide input to her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids on life decisions. Betty loved sports and she and Mac rarely missed home or away matches, meets, and games, cheering on their family during each sporting event.

During most summers, Betty and the family spent time on Lake Champlain, where everyone enjoyed swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing at the family “camp”. Although not officially recognized by Guinness World Records, we believe Betty is the first grandmother to paddle an inner tube the two mile distance from the Milton shore to Cedar Island. Their love of the water also caused Betty and Mac to haul their kids to Florida most spring breaks to escape the cold Vermont winters. Their love of Florida eventually resulted in them purchasing a 2nd home in Englewood, where Betty enjoyed socializing with friends and sharing with them her passion for line dancing.

One of Betty’s favorite hobbies was gardening and those passing by her home would often see her working in her vegetable garden or flower beds. The flower boxes on her home were usually filled with bright red geraniums, her favorite flower. Betty also initiated an annual contest where she competed with other family members to see who could grow the largest pumpkin. Betty also enjoyed writing funny poems that she would present to family and friends on special occasions.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Alfred "Mac" McLane,  parents James and Gertrude Manley Sr., by her sisters: Jane Fitzgerald and Nancy Bullis, brothers-in-Law: John Fitzgerald, Frank Bullis, and Winfred McLane, and sister-in-law: Joyce McLane.

Betty is survived by her children: Michael McLane (Emma) of Mesa, Arizona, Scott McLane (Melodie) of Georgia, Vermont, Kelly Paquin (Cal) of Milton, Vermont, Matthew McLane (Sharlene) of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Grandchildren: Michael McLane (Amber Courtney), Vanessa Dennis (David), Kayleigh McLane, Joshua McLane (Cathy), Justin McLane (Megan), Caleb McLane (Ryleigh), Collin McLane, Shannon Rivard (Bryan), Lindsey Preston, Christopher Preston (Allie), Amanda McLane (Alek Trae Lucero), Brendan McLane.

Great Grandchildren: Dakota Dennis, Colton Dennis, Lauren, expectant twins of Justin McLane (Megan), Lucas McLane, John McLane, Sophia McLane, Eleanor McLane, Isla Rivard, Simon Rivard, Maren Rivard, Etta Preston, Parks Preston and numerous nieces and nephews.

Brother: James Manley Jr. and sister-in-law: Lorraine Manley, long-time best friend Joan Cleveland.

And Betty’s loving four-legged companion: Murphy, the cat.

The family appreciates the care provided to our mother by our wonderful caregivers Jennifer Fletcher and Vanessa Santor and the exceptional support and services provided by the nurses and staff of the UVM Home Health and Hospice.

Betty’s visiting hours for family and friends will be Saturday August 24th, 2024 from 3 pm to 5 pm at Minor Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Milton, Vermont. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held Monday, August 26th, 2024, at 11 am at the Milton United Church. A Graveside Service will follow at the Milton Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, UVM Home Health and Hospice, or to your favorite charity of choice