Betty McShane

Betty Olcott Haslam McShane. Heaven gained a most elegant and graceful lady on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 after 102 full and vibrant years here with us. She was born to Charles J. Haslam and Wilhelmina Fritz Haslam on August 21, 1914 in Oshkosh, WI. Betty spent most of her life living in Duluth, MN. She graduated from Central High School in 1932. A red headed trailblazer, she went on to college and graduated from Carlton College in 1936. She married Wallace (Wally) C. McShane in 1944 and together they raised two daughters, Mary and Ann in a household loud with laughter. Betty worked as the Head of Reference and Informational Services at the Duluth Public Library until her retirement in 1976. She was a grandmother to three grandchildren, and a great grandmother of two. She was a past member of the Duluth Jr. League, and the Kitchi Gammi Club. She had many interests, some of which she continued to do until days before her passing, that included reading, playing bridge, traveling, sewing, needlework, and most especially knitting. She was also a dedicated tennis fan and was a member of the Roger Federer Fan Club. She did all of these things, and was all of these things, but most importantly she was our family matriarch and will forever be the most beautiful jewel in our family crown. She was the epitome of class and the embodiment of grace. She was wickedly quick witted throughout all of her 102 years. She was a gentle teacher of many life lessons during our cherished time with her. Lessons such as: When you get to a certain age, it's ok to cheat a little when you play games, except when doing crossword puzzles, which must always be done in pen. Be open minded. Learn how to put lipstick on without a mirror--a little on the lips and a little on the cheeks. Marry someone who makes you laugh. The world cannot have enough hand knitted apparel. A knitting needle makes a great cocktail stirrer. Never stop learning. When in doubt, assume people are acting with good intentions. Be generous with your love. Betty is survived by her children Mary (Alan) Watson and Ann (Gary) Wood; grandchildren Eric Watson, Morgan (Mike) Spah, Matthew (Danielle) Vaillant; great grandsons Mason Vaillant and Kale Vaillant; 16 nieces and nephews; her "Close Knit" friends, her former son-in-law Stephen Vaillant, and other friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. Betty is reunited with her husband of 53 years; sisters Helen Anderson and Jean Haavik; brother Charles (Buster) Haslam, Jr.; and niece Sue Anderson Quinn. If you'd like to make a memorial gift in Betty's name please make them to Operation Smile: www.operationsmile.org, 3641 Faculty Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23453, 1-888-OPSMILE. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 20th 5pm-7pm, Dougherty Funeral Home 600 E 2nd St. Duluth and continues from 10am-11am October 21st prior to the 11am Mass of Christian Burial at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary 2801 E 4th St in Duluth. Internment immediately following at Forest Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home Duluth MN 218-727-3555.