Obituaries

Betsy McLean

Betsy Chambliss McLean, 71, of Wenatchee, Wash., died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 24, 2014, in the presence of her three children. Betsy was born in Chattanooga, on March 13, 1943, the daughter of Jac Chambliss, a prominent local attorney, and Bena McVea Chambliss, of Baton Rouge, La. She graduated from the Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga and went on to obtain a bachelor of arts in English Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Betsy married Alan R. McLean in 1969, and shortly after their marriage they moved to France for four years. Betsy and Alan subsequently resided in Wayzata, Minn., Indianapolis, Ind.,, Evanston, IL, Pine Bluff, Ark., Forest, Va., and ultimately Wenatchee, Wash., where they moved in 2002. She maintained close ties and friends in each of those cities. In addition to being a loving and supportive mother, Betsy pursued varied careers. She taught Latin and etymology for a number of years at Park Tudor High School in Indianapolis, Ind., and also became a licensed massage therapist and practiced massage therapy on and off for many years. Betsy was known as a gourmet, was fluent in French, and was an avid reader. She was passionate about Veterans issues, especially the importance of recognizing and treating PTSD in returning veterans. She was an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church where her husband was the priest from 2002-2005. She also enjoyed traveling and was an outstanding photographer. Betsy always maintained a positive outlook on life, was a kind and caring soul, and was loved by many. She is survived by her children, Margaret (Charles) Kennedy, of Olympia, Wash., Robb (Nancy) McLean, of Albuquerque, N.M., and Mary (Ben) Maletzke, of Cle Elum, Wash. In addition to her three children, she is survived by seven grandchildren; her siblings, Ann (Jose Maria) Lacambra, of Winter Park, Fla., and John A. Chambliss III, of Chattanooga; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service celebrating Betsys life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at St. Lukes Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, Betsy would undoubtedly have appreciated donations in her name to either: Reflection Riding, 400 Garden Road, Chattanooga, TN 37419; or St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 428 King St., Wenatchee, WA 98801, (Designated to the Outreach Ministry).

Published May 4, 2014

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