"Mary Anne McEnery Aunt Betty always reminded me of Lauren Bacall, a statuesque and timeless beauty. Her sense of style --refined and classic -- defined her. I tried in vain to be like her. Aunt Betty was kind and sensitive. I recall with fondness her love of family and good humor. My dad and I had the pleasure of visiting with her several times, and we have such happy memories of those times, including a trip to Sparta, Wisconsin, to visit other family members, and our time in Madison after my mom died in 1977. She was ever so solicitous and concerned about our welfare. I'm sure she's dispensing valuable fashion and style tips in heaven. I am the richer for having known her. I extend my condolences to her family. Mary Anne McEnery, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY"
In loving memory of
Betty J. McEnery
July 20, 1917 - June 28, 2015
Madison - Betty McEnery formerly of Madison passed away Sunday, June 28 at the Valley VNA in Neenah where she had resided for the past nine years.
Betty was born on July 20, 1917 in Terre Haute Indiana to Henry and Ethel Block. After her father's death in 1929 Betty and her mother moved to Madison where Betty attended University of Wisconsin High class of 1934 and the University of Wisconsin class of 1938. She also began her long career in women's fashion at several shops and moved on to Philadelphia where she continued in the business at a fine dress shop. Through a Madison friendship with Mary Stuhldreher, wife of then UW head football coach and Athletic Director Harry Stuhldreher, she met Mary's brother, Michael McEnery, who she married on June 28, 1940.
During WW II Betty not only managed her husband's business while he served in the Navy but also managed her son, Michael.
They relocated to Madison in 1957 and Betty resumed her career at MacNeil and Moore, later MacNeil and Purnell and Yost's Traditions at State Street and Hilldale as a buyer and much beloved salesperson extending on until her late 80's. She loved the world of fine style and fashion and her many loyal customers, friends and co-workers.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Michael, in 1978.
Betty is survived by her son, Michael III (Tricia) of Neenah; grandsons, Aaron of Gainesville, Florida and Miles (Avery) of Brooklyn, NY, and their son, Jack Thomas.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2015 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with a reception and visitation to follow the service at Cress.
Memorials in Betty's name can be made to Valley VNA, 1535 Lyon Dr., Neenah, WI 54956.
A special thank you to the Valley VNA and Advantage Hospice for all of their care and compassion to Betty.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
Please share your memories at
www.cressfuneralservice.com
Tributes
"My memories of Betty go back decades. After graduating from Wisconsin in 1938, Betty came to Philadelphia. She was working in a dress shop, whose manager my father knew. He may have made the introductions between Betty and my brother Michael. This was in the fall of 1939, about nine months after my mother's death. It brightened up the McEnery home to have a female presence., and Betty and Michael got along fine. They were engaged in early 1940 and were married that June. When Betty converted to Roman Catholicism, I was godfather at her baptism. At their wedding, I was best man. Betty was warm-hearted, concerned, and vastly interested in my family. She always dressed stylishly and was a real lady. She was always gracious and would go out of her way to assist my family. My deepest sympathy to Michael and Trish and all of their immediate family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim McEnery, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY"
"Michael and family, We were very sorry to learn of Betty's passing. She was a dear person and good friend of my Mother, Janet Eisele Heiliger. Mom and Betty worked together at McNeil and Moore, Yosts, etc. and both lived at LeChateau Apartments in Madison. I know they were good friends and they both shared similar traits in always being fashionable. it was always fun to see Betty, she was so active, interested in our family and a very nice person. We intend to be at the Memorial Service in August, and extend our sympathies to your family. Tim and Linda Eisele, and the Eisele brothers "
"Betty was not only a wonderful mother-in-law, but a gracious and lovely lady as well. I will always have special memories of her visits to our Florida home as well as many fun times in Madison at her place, and at our home in Neenah. We all enjoyed a good meal, nice glass of wine and spirited conversation. And of course there were many laughs as well. I will miss you Betty, but the good memories will be with me always. Love, Trish"