On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, Betty McCann Lovelady, age 89, died at home from breast cancer, lovingly cared for by all four of her children. Thus, ended her illustrative career as peace activist, friend of Bill’s, civil rights champion, death-with-dignity advocate, and many other righteous causes. Spiritual, generous, and honest, she was a loving friend, wife, and mother. Sharing her experience, strength, and hope was what she did best and she benefitted from others doing the same. Betty will be remembered by her family, friends, and recovery community for her indomitable spirit, her outspokenness, and her enormous heart which welcomed everyone.
She was born at home on June 10, 1927 on Lover’s Lane, in St. Joseph, Missouri to Kitty Searcy McCann and Walter McCann, the last of six children.
Starting her political activism early, at age 5, Betty pulled a wagon with cans attached chanting “Roosevelt, Roosevelt is our man. Throw old Hoover in the garbage can.” Her father was against Hoover because of prohibition and she followed in his footsteps.
As her family struggled to survive the Depression, her oldest brother ran away to California and wrote back to the family that there was work to be had. At age 10, Betty’s family moved from Missouri to Los Angeles, Calif. where she saw the ocean for the first time. Betty fell in love with the diversity of people in California seeing and hearing for the first time “all these colors and all these different languages”. The California school system was vastly more progressive than her MO school and she marveled that the State paid for textbooks and materials. Betty was a strong supporter of education for all, and especially for her children and grandchildren.
She started playing violin in junior high and then viola throughout high school, where some of her fondest memories were of playing in the orchestra. She loved classical music all her life. Betty remembered when her Japanese girlfriend, Iko, was taken away to an internment camp during World War II. She would meet up with Iko as an adult at a peace march in Los Angeles. Iko recognized Betty and said, “I’m not surprised to find you here.”
Betty attended Los Angeles City College and graduated from California State College in 1949. She met her beloved husband Bill Lovelady her senior year in a poetry class and married him Aug. 6, 1949. Betty taught elementary school and loved teaching Kindergarten best. She and Bill had four children: Gale, Gregory, Mukhya, and Georgia. She and Bill were constant cheerleaders for their children, but she was known to have said to them: “What have you done today to justify your existence?” and “Never do for children what they can do for themselves.”
Besides working as an elementary school teacher, Betty worked as a juvenile institutional worker and as a field probation officer. She was a foster mother to teenagers and stray co-workers.
Betty was a life-long seeker of religious paths finding a home with the Society of Friends (Quakers). From California to Oregon to Alaska to Montana, she was a participating member of Quaker meetings in those states.
Betty’s husband of 66 years, Bill Lovelady, predeceased her on April 23, 2015. She was predeceased by her siblings Paul McCann, Virginia Rowe, Georgia Lewis and Marie McCann.
She is survived by her four children: Gale Lovelady and partner Ed Maples; Gregory Lovelady and wife Sandra Sabbatini and their children Stella and Phoebe Lovelady; Mukhya Khalsa and husband Hari Dev Khalsa and their children Uma Bhagwati Khalsa (Justin) and Amar Das Khalsa (Shabadrang); Georgia Lovelady and her children Eric Speer and Cole Lovelady-Speer (Kezia). Betty is survived by her remaining sibling Ed McCann and many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks go to her 12-step community, Dr. Weiner and staff, Dr. Jessica Bailey, and Hospice of St. Peters. A Quaker memorial service will be held Oct.30, 2016 at Touchmark, 915 Saddle Drive in the upstairs meeting room at 10:30 a.m. Condolences may be mailed to 521 N. Rodney, Helena, MT 59601. If you would like to give in Betty’s name, you may make a donation to any non-profit you’ve been meaning to contribute to or that you’re passionate about. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Betty.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Sunday October 30, 2016
Touchmark
915 Saddle Drive
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Sunday October 30, 2016
Touchmark
915 Saddle Drive
Helena, Montana 59601
Brian Hohn says
Betty will be missed. I attend many meetings with her over the years. I had not seen here for a while but I have fond memories of her. We never talked politics, because we agreed to disagree, however, we would discuss recovery often. I will miss her wisdom. May she rest in peace, with Bill by her side.
Lynn says
When we lose a loved one, they become a memory, then the memory becomes a treasure. Hold on to those treasures of your loved one, they will help you during these difficult times. Isa.41:10
Joe Petkewich says
Betty is one of the most admired and respected people in my life. Although we were total opposites, I loved her wisdom and humor about life. She always greeted me with a smile and a big hug. I’ll miss her. She taught me so much.
I’ll miss you dearly Betty.
Mark Viergutz says
Richard Bach said in his book Illusions “rarely do members of the same family grow up under the same roof” while I did not grow up with her, Betty is the Grandmother I never had. She taught me so much about life and living with loss and how to say, “to hell with it, tomorrow is another new day”. I forever hold you in my heart Dear Lady.
Mark V.
Libbe Dennard & Lee Harris says
What an exceptional woman. Our hearts go out to Mukhya, Hari Dev, and family. May treasured memories console you at this time of sadness.
Libbe & Lee
Derek T. Arnold says
I was blessed to know Betty, only for a season or two. It the time I knew her she talked of her kids and husband most. We would talk about everyone though, she even got mad at me once, but it only took a week for her to get a hold of me and get things cleared up. I moved to Townsend and thus feel a bit out of touch, with my getting busy with school work. I had been thinking of her for a week, and planned to visit and see her Wednesday. the 19th. Be Well my friend. Love Ya!
Derek A.
Derik Reed says
Betty has been an inspiration to and support of my spiritual growth in multiple communities. I am grateful to have crossed paths with her and Bill. I mourn with her family and friends, and celebrate her return to the light. I will miss you, friend.
Mo says
Now we know where you get your passion and sensitivity to others! So sorry for your loss but thrilled for your mom’s good life!
Becky King says
Hello, I never even met her but I can tell you that her spirit obviously lives on in Gregory. I have the honor of knowing he & Sandra, we are a family at the Waldorf school that they both teach for. My daughter is especially close to Phoebe, and you can feel the love & warmth in that house whenever you step over the threshold.
I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to have met the Lovelady’s here in AZ, and I can tell you that Betty’s spirit is clearly in that home and in our community.
Shell B. says
Betty taught me a lot about life, by living it one day at a time. One of her favorite sayings was “Don’t take yourself so seriously.” A Kahlil Gibran quote that makes me think of her often, “For this I bless you most. You give much and know not that you give at all.”
Paulette Kohman says
A truly fine soul, Betty had a smile and kind word for me when we met in passing just a few weeks ago. That was her way. She and Bill led a meditation group at St. Paul’s for many years, time I still treasure. I even remember her viola playing. Warm thoughts are with your family. Sad to hear of her passing, but so glad she passed our way!
Jie Chen says
I knew your mother Betty through your father Bill. I met Bill in Beijing in 1998. Bill helped me a lot in the past. He was my English teacher, mentor and grandpa in the US. He always let me know what books he and Betty read and what classes they took in the local college. They were a perfect couple in my heart. I am glad that I met Betty ten years ago and wish I could have more chances to talk to her in person. I missed them both.
Peg Hunter says
Georgia, we hold you in the light during this time of celebrating your mom’s life. She was quite a force and touched the lives of so many people. Be gentle with yourself.