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Betty McLean Obituary
McLean, 77, Lower Alsace Township, was the cherished wife of Robert Bruce McLean; loving mother of Robert B. McLean and L. Beth Farmer; and devoted grandmother to Rebecca, Meredith and Amanda McLean.
She started her local career with Radio Station WEEU where she did the “Betty Morgan Show,” a daytime talk show and “The Girlfriend,” an evening disc jockey show.
As a talented actress, Betty Lou was well-known in the local theater community where she performed with many venues, including Green Hills Summer Theatre, Reading Community Players, Genesius, Reading Civic Theatre and the Fall Festival of the Arts.
She also directed for several local theater groups including Berks Grand Opera and was the makeup chairwoman with Reading Civic Theatre for 50 years.
McLean taught arts and theater at the Penn State Berks Campus for more than 25 years and was instrumental in the development of the Berks Summer Theatre.
She also taught drama independently and at the Wyomissing Institute of the Arts. Additionally, Betty Lou was known throughout the county for her performances as the “Hat Lady.”
She was one of the founders of the Berks Arts Council and served on the board of directors for many years.
She and her husband were the 1996 recipients of the Berks Arts Council’s “Pagoda Award,” given for their contribution to the arts in Reading and Berks County.
Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Lili (Baser) Morgan.
She graduated salutatorian of her Germantown High School class and went on to attend Bryn Mawr College and Pennsylvania State University where she graduated cum laude in theater arts.
As an active member of Christ Episcopal Church, Reading, she served on the altar guild and the Episcopal Church Women.
Memorial services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in Christ Episcopal Church, Fifth and Court streets, Reading. Henninger Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Christ Church Memorial Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Betty McLean
Louise Browning
November 18, 2006
To the McLean family: My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you for the loss of a most cherished wife, mother and dearest family friend. I was very saddened to learn of Betty Lou's passing. She was and will continue to be remembered fondly. She was unbelievably strong and helped my own mother through her greatest battle. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Koller
November 17, 2006
Bruce, Bob, and Beth, my sincere condolences on your loss.. I remember her always smiling. She was a great mother and always treated me as a true friend, to you. I truly share your loss. She will be greatly missed by everyone that came across her path in life.
Michelle Wasik
November 17, 2006
It was five minutes before a performance, when someone uttered the words...Betty Lou passed. I was distracted and deeply saddened. In this moment of silence, I whispered..."This ones for you Betty Lou!" I am so grateful for all the times shared on stage together and the simple conversation and smiles that happened when our lives brushed by each other. Friend, teacher, fellow thespian........
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE! Sending comfort and blessings to family members and a warm soothing hug to Bruce
Francine Scoboria
November 16, 2006
I was so lucky to know Betty Lou. I first met her when I was 9, when I joined her acting class at the Institute of the Arts, Wyomissing. For the next five years, that hour once a week was truly heaven, and that was because of Betty Lou's magic. She saw the talent, even brilliance, in each of her students, and she taught us how to believe in ourselves. And we had so much fun! Betty Lou was bigger than life to me, she was ageless, she was superwoman. I think she enjoyed life, really relished life, more than anyone I ever met. She gave me two incredible opportunities - to act in plays at Penn State Berks, under her direction. To this day, those late nights I spent as a child in rehearsals and performances of "The Crucible" and "Flowers for Algernon" with her are some of the fondest memories of my entire life. She didn't just teach her students how to act, she taught us how to live, with gusto, without fear, with an awe for the incredible magic that was possible in any single moment. She was always kind. I am sending my sympathy and prayers to her family. I wish I would have told her how much she meant to me. But I know in my heart that she understands. I love you Betty Lou. Thank you for sharing your beautiful self with me, and with so many hundreds of people. You are gone from this world too soon, but you will never leave those of us who love you.
Susan Rohn
November 16, 2006
Bruce, Our deepest sympathy. Betty Lou was such a part of the arts community. She was devoted to the Institute of the Arts and laid the foundation for our Theatre Department. She will be missed. Susan Rohn
Rowan Joseph a/k/a "Joe Rowan"
November 15, 2006
There are few I hold as dear to me from my days in Reading as Betty Lou, my first acting teacher and a truly gifted & generous actor in her own right. Betty Lou & Bruce were always ALWAYS supportive of me, both as an actor and as a person. I cherished her as a teacher. God bless her for the kindness she showed me at a time when I needed it the most and found it the least. Thank you, Betty Lou for your life and artistry; my deepest condolences to Bruce and the family.
Barbara & John Good
November 15, 2006
Bruce,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. It has been a privilege to be included in your lives.
Love, Barbara & John Good
Anna Esterly
November 15, 2006
My deepest sympathies. I worked with Betty Lou at Penn State Berks and I will cherish the many memories.
John Foscone
November 14, 2006
I am very sad to hear of her passing. My love and best wishes to Bruce and your family at this difficult time.
I have many fond memories of Betty Lou and Bruce.
Powerfull, everlasting memories...
Janet Tomlinson
November 14, 2006
I consider myself privileged to have known Betty Lou; I met and worked with her on several productions at Reading Community Players. For more than 40 years, I enjoyed her many and varied character portrayals. I celebrate her life as a wonderful example of all that is worthwhile. Peace to all who mourn her passing.
Mike Corcoran
November 14, 2006
Betty Lou was a fixture of the Reading Theater community. I didn't get a chance to work with her as a director, but her make-up artistry for the Civic shows was wonderful. She actually helped to create the character just with the make-up alone.
We all will miss her.
Madeline Corcoran
November 14, 2006
Betty Lou was so warm and funny and genuine. I have so much respect for her as both an artist and a person. She helped my daughter Kira so much as a young actress. Her tutelage helped Kira get into the theater program at PA Governor's School- one of the greatest theater experiences Kira has had. I have great memories of the acting classes I participated in at her beautiful home. I will miss her deeply.
Christine Cieplinski
November 14, 2006
Betty Lou did my makeup for RCOS's Cinderella. When I was in that chair, we had a BALL! Later, I had the honor of performing with her. I'm thankful for all she taught me.
Denise Benfield
November 14, 2006
Bruce,
WE LOVE YOU...
Darryl and Denise
Briana Kramer
November 14, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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