Date of Birth:
Thursday, July 18, 1935
Date of Death:
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Age:
88 years old

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” McPherson

Elizabeth Ann (Betty) McPherson passed peacefully April 2, 2024, in Rochester, MN at the age of 88.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim, and parents Bernard and Kathryn Dunn of Mason City, IA. She is survived by her children Michael (Pat), Patricia, Catherine, Teresa, and Daniel. She was proud of her grandchildren Mark (Sarah), Ian (Aly), Olivia, Sophia and Ethan, and great granddaughter Marcy. She’ll be missed by her siblings Michael Dunn (Joni) and Mary Kaye Smith (Brian).

Born July 18, 1935 in Mason City, Betty played piano, danced ballet, became an avid baseball fan and was an astute student of her mother’s cooking. She earned her nursing degree at St. Marys School of Nursing in 1954 in Rochester, practicing for several years, during which time she was set up on a blind date at a Mayowood barn dance, where she would meet her husband-to-be, Jim. They married in 1957. Betty participated in St. John’s Women’s Circle, many of her children’s activities, bridge club, and volunteered her time and talents with the Paso Fino Horse Association. She demonstrated excellent business acumen in accounting and modest investing. She was a wonderful hostess, cooking beautiful dinners and afterwards accompanying her friends on the piano, sharing laughter and love with her friends. She had elegant style and grace, always beautiful and unassuming. She was humble and kind, pragmatic and strong throughout her life. Betty enjoyed history, reading, cooking and a good conversation about current events and politics. She amused her children with her well-honed skill, “the Betty Stretch”, which was the ability to connect two completely unrelated things. Her strong faith carried her throughout her life and was an anchor particularly in later life. She loved her family dearly and was cherished by her husband and children. She will be greatly missed.

Special thanks to the Specialty Care team at The Waters, as well as to the Mayo Hospice team. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Saint Paul Conservatory of Music (www.thespcm.org).

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday April 11, 2024, at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester with Rev. Msgr. Gerald Mahon officiating.  The burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.  A visitation will be one hour prior to the service, at the church on Thursday.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.