Resources

Betsy MacCracken

Obituary

Guest Book

1 entry

"I admired Dr. MacCracken so much and truly considered her a..."
- Susan Moranda Vigil

The Guest Book is expired.

Restore the Guest Book

MacCracken, Betsy B.
July 5, 1914 - May 20, 2012
Former Los Angeles County Epidemiologist, U.S. Naval Officer and pediatrician, Dr. Betsy MacCracken has died. She was 97 years-old. The eldest daughter of Drs. Daisy and Frank MacCracken, she oversaw Los Angeles County's response to outbreaks of communicable diseases and implemented a variety of county-wide disease prevention efforts. During her years as a pediatrician, Dr. MacCracken treated children from throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including the children of actress Bette Davis, as well as current singer/songwriter Jackson Browne. During World War II, Dr. MacCracken joined the U.S. Naval WAVES, and became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. She attained the rank of lieutenant serving in the Department of the Navy Admiral's Office, Washington, D.C., in a variety of assignments related to security. After the war, Dr. MacCracken joined the faculty of the Department of Pediatrics at the College of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (COP&S) in Los Angeles (which later became the medical school at U.C., Irvine) and the Pediatrics staff at the Los Angeles County Hospital. She was appointed Assistant Executive Director of the Department of Pediatrics shortly after joining the staff and was named Director in 1958. Dr. MacCracken joined the L.A. City Board of Public Health after receiving her M.P.H. in 1961 at the School of Public Health, U.C. Berkeley. After the City and County Health Departments merged, she became the District Health Officer of the Northeast District, L.A. County, where she was responsible for a variety of clinics (e.g., well-baby, vaccinations), investigating outbreaks of communicable diseases, and handling incidents of rabies and general health issues throughout the district. In 1969 she was named L.A. County's Epidemiologist. Dr. MacCracken taught at both UCLA's School of Public Health and UCI's Medical School. She remained active in her professional medical associations and maintained her medical license well into her 80s. Dr. MacCracken was active in the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, serving in a number of leadership positions on several of the church committees and councils. She also served on the Board of Trustees for the K-12 Pilgrim School affiliated with the church. She was an active member of Soroptimist International of Los Angeles, serving as President as well as chair of several of the organization's committees, and was a member of the Committee of Professional Women in support of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Dr. MacCracken retired in 1976 and returned to Fresno in 1988. Her parents had established their medical practice in Fresno and Dr. MacCracken was reared here, graduating from Fresno High School in 1931 and Fresno State College in 1935, majoring in Physical Education. In 1992, Dr. MacCracken moved to The Terraces of San Joaquin Gardens, where she was an active member of a number of committees and special events. Her hobbies included photography, knitting and crocheting. Dr. MacCracken also designed and created several needlepoint renderings of Navajo rugs - an outcome of her love of the southwest and her many trips to Sedona, Arizona. Dr. MacCracken was an active and involved supporter of her family and a loyal friend to many. She gave unstintingly of her time and offered thoughtful advice to the many who sought it. While she was often a tough task master, -she was quick-to praise and acknowledge the kindness and contributions, of others.
Betsy Bowles MacCracken was born July 5, 1914 in Beatrice, Nebraska. When-she was eight years-old, the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and then to Reedley, California, before settling in Fresno where her parents re-established their medical practice. Following in her parents' footsteps, she attended the College of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, Los Angeles, earning her Doctor of Osteopathy in 1940, specializing in pediatrics.
Dr. MacCracken is survived by her two sisters, Sarah Hopper and Virginia Hunter of Fresno; four nieces and one nephew - Susan Hunter Hancock (and husband Jack Hancock) of Claremont, CA; Neil Hopper of Hollywood; Gail Haynes of Ann-Arbor, Ml-; Janet Hopper (and husband Steven Lopez) of Fresno; and Lynne Hopper of Fresno; four great nephews, one great niece, and one great, great niece. The family wishes to acknowledge with deep gratitude the assistance and care provided by the staff at The Terraces of San Joaquin Gardens, particularly those in the Health Care Center and Assisted Living.
A memorial service will be, held at The Terraces of San Joaquin Gardens on Saturday, June 2 at 3 p.m. in the Corner Cafe. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Evangel'Home, 137 N. Yosemite Ave., Fresno, 93701, The San Joaquin Gardens Foundation, 5555 N. Fresno St., Fresno, 93710,or Pilgrim School, 540 S. Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles CA 90020.

Published in the Los Angeles Times on May 27, 2012

Print | View Guest Book

Related Memorial Sites