2014 Obit: Betty McDonald

Subject: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Oct 14 - 11:00 AM

I was surprised to see this not posted at Mudcat, so I emailed Betty's an Norman's son Steve for permission to post here.

This is the information I received via the Indian Neck list --

Yesterday we heard more sad news, this time both Judy Cook and Sara Grey have sent on the news about Betty MacDonald. For those of you who have come to Indian Neck for many years you will remember Betty, and her husband Norman, who died in 2005. They came to us from the UK, with their lovely songs and kept us all in hysteria.

This was a letter they received from Betty's son:

"I'm sorry to let you know that Betty, my mother passed away this morning. The end was peaceful and my sister, brother and I were all here with her.

I wonder if you could let all of her American circle of friends know? I don't know all of the people she knew over there and it would help us if you could do that for us.

Steve McDonald
severnbrew at gmail.com"

I specifically asked Steve if it was okay to include his email address which I modified so the bots out there can't read it, but friends can get in touch.

I don't have any information yet about published obituaries or memorial plans.

Betty and Norman were two people Tom and I were so happy to share the world with. My sincere condolences to Steve and to any other friends and family.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Oct 14 - 05:39 PM

Anyone know of an obituary? Funeral or memorial information?

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Oct 14 - 05:49 PM

Sara Grey told us several weeks ago that Betty was not doing well, and would not be with us long. Norman & Betty enlivened the DC area and the Getaway at various times with their wonderful songs and personalities. We shall be treasuring those memories for a long time... as well as their CD "Doon the Lang Stair".

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: maeve
Date: 19 Oct 14 - 06:41 PM

Thank you, Linn. They were both lovely people, and I learned several favorite songs from them. I'll pass the news along.

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: Splott Man
Date: 20 Oct 14 - 03:54 AM

The service is at 12.00 on 28th October at Westerly Crematorium BS378QP (north of Bristol, UK).

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: Newport Boy
Date: 20 Oct 14 - 06:49 AM

Very sorry to hear of Betty's death. Betty & Norman were regulars at Thornbury Folk Club in the late 60s and early 70s. Anne & I have met Betty a few times in the last couple of years since she returned to Thornbury.

We will miss her. We will be in Scotland on 28 Oct, so won't be at Westerleigh, but we will be thinking of her.

Phil

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: Brian Peters
Date: 20 Oct 14 - 07:53 AM

Very sad news - Betty was a lovely lady, and she and Norman were a lot of fun.

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 20 Oct 14 - 10:53 AM

Sad news indeed. I have added Betty to the "In Memoriam" thread. My condolences to all who knew and love her.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: The Sandman
Date: 20 Oct 14 - 12:20 PM

Very sad news. RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 01:13 PM

Betty was a good friend, as was Norman- lovely people both of them. I was unable to attend the funeral, but, with valuable help from her daughter Betty and her very good friend Sara Grey, have submitted an obituary to the next issue of 'Living Tradition'.
Also for anyone in the area,an edited version shold appear in the evening paper in her home town of South Shields, the 'Shields Gazette'    RIP Betty

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 01:41 PM

That should have been Betty's daughter Barbara- sorry about that    Jim

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: banjoman
Date: 12 Nov 14 - 06:40 AM

Sad news - Betty & Norman graced us at Whitchurch Festival in the 90,s. Really nice people with a wealth of songs, as well as making a couple of impromptu appearances with Sara Grey at the Red House.
Pete

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: GUEST,douglas mcdonald
Date: 06 Dec 19 - 08:02 AM

hello,
several years too late i know....

My name is Douglas McDonald, son of Steve and grandson of Betty and Norman McDonald...

just reading your kind messages.

I made a recording of Betty and Norman in my home studio i had at the time, not long before Norman passed away.
i have uploaded one song to youtube if you would like to listen

www.youtube.com/watch?v=26XDEvZJPdU

there are more songs i will upload in time

i would also be interested in any press shots or old pictures of them performing.

contact [e-mail]

regards

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: Jeri
Date: 06 Dec 19 - 09:10 AM

Thank you, Douglas.

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: maeve
Date: 06 Dec 19 - 09:40 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26XDEvZJPdU

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Dec 19 - 01:12 PM

thankyou, i remember them both very well from swindon folk club

Subject: RE: Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Dec 19 - 04:16 PM

Obit: Betty McDonald - Oct. 13, 2014Douglas.. I do have several images of them from events here in Maryland a number of years ago.

I will look thru my folders and send them to your gmail.

(If you remember and know the whereabouts of a square wooden lamp with agate inserts, it is one I made for them.)