Elizabeth Ann MacQueen

INVERNESS Florida - Elizabeth Ann MacQueen, age 94, died after a period of declining health on November 29, 2024. She was born November 19, 1930, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Hanway) McGonigle.

Betty and her husband Fred were married after he returned from his U.S. Navy service in 1956, settling in Braintree Massachusetts where they raised their family of three children. Betty worked throughout these years in bookkeeping for retailers and distributors, until retiring to Florida in 1994 with her husband.

They were blessed to have spent 30 years together in their home in Inverness where they could enjoy a well-earned retirement and pursue their hobbies. Betty was an avid sewist, quilter and needlework artist, and over the years, it is estimated she crafted thousands of baby hats for newborns in area hospitals and for the church, earning her the title of "The Baby Hat Lady".

Betty is survived by her beloved husband, Frederick F. MacQueen, Sr., her daughters Ann F. Reinelt and husband Douglas of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Elizabeth M. Blankenstein and husband Ronald of Merrimack, New Hampshire, and son Frederick F. MacQueen Jr., and partner Marie Huebner of Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was the last surviving member of her large McGonigle family, having been predeceased by each of her parents and all her siblings including brothers James, Raymond, George, Joseph, Daniel, and William, and her sister Gertrude Boudreau.

A Requiem Mass will be held Saturday, December 14 at 11 am at St. Scholastica Catholic Church, 4301 W. Homosassa Trail, Lecanto, FL. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Betty's memory may be made to the American Heart Association or to the charity of one's choice. Heinz Funeral Home, 2507 Hwy 44 W, Inverness, FL is in charge of arrangements. There will be no calling hours.