McLernon Elizabeth "Betty" F.

Elizabeth "Betty" F. McLernon, departed this life on Sunday, May 6, 2018, as a result of congestive heart failure. She was 93 years old. She is survived by her two daughters, Mary Ellen "Mer" McLernon, her primary caregiver over the last several years, Anne McLernon, and Anne's life partner, John A. Breeden, all of Charlottesville. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom, whom she had been married to for 63 years, her parents, her stepfather, and both of her brothers. Betty was the daughter of Donald and Elizabeth "Annie Fraser, born to them July 1, 1924 in the village of Batavia, New York. Her father passed away when Betty was only 9 years old. Her mother married her loving stepfather, Ward Belcher, when Betty was 13. After completing her early school years in Batavia, and graduating as Salutatorian of her high school at the age of 16, she attended the State University of New York (SUNY), Geneseo. She received her degree in Education graduating Summa Cum Laude and was a member of the Clio Sorority. She met her future husband, Thomas "Tom" J. McLernon, at SUNY. His college education was temporarily interrupted when he enlisted in the V012 U. S. Navy program, July 1943 in order to serve his country in World War II. When his Navy duty brought him back to the United States, he and Betty were married in their college town where fellow students and professors celebrated his return and their wedding. Betty enjoyed an eight year career in elementary education before she and Tom started their family. Betty was an intelligent, optimistic and independent woman with strong values rooted in her Christian belief. Her deep religious conviction led her to be active in her church, St. Paul's Memorial, and in Bible study groups beginning with Stonecroft Ministries where she became Chairman of the Charlottesville Christian Women's Club and served in that position for several years. Betty developed many life-long friendships and affiliations through these Bible study experiences, and remained active in an independent study with her much revered and loved "Bible Study Sisters." She was a devoted wife and inspirational mother instilling foundational values in her daughters that would guide them through their lives. Her greatest joy was her family. Betty was a generous woman who was always available to support anyone who needed her help. She had an inexhaustible zest for life and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved the outdoors. As a young woman, she enjoyed horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, bicycling and swimming. In the year 2010, Betty began to deal with medical problems. She was frustrated because of the changes they brought, but she dealt with them with courage and grace. Her faith sustained her along with the abiding love of her daughters and friends who made sure she was well cared for, always challenged, and able to be out and involved in the community. She particularly enjoyed her "dinners and desserts out" with her extended family and cherished neighbors, Marvin and Dottie Reese. Betty never ceased to be amazed at the loving care that was given to her by Jean Johnson and Wanda Pritchett, her dedicated friends and caregivers, the Legacy Hospice Team, Commonwise Home Care, her doctors, namely, Dr. Daniel W. Sawyer and his nurses, Kim Hammond and Lilly Ge, Dr. Timothy Williams, Cardiologist, and his nurse Sandy Staggers, and all of the rescue squad members. The family gives special thanks to all of these individuals. Her memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 25, 2018, in St. Paul's Memorial Episcopal Church, 1700 University Avenue, across from the UVA Rotunda. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Legacy Hospice, UVA Children's Hospital, or a charitable organization of your choosing.