Obituary for Betsy McDaniel (Keough)
“Betsy” Elizabeth Anne (Keough) McDaniel, born 4/9/1941, passed away at Winchester Hospital on October 23, 2022 from complications of heart failure. She was 81.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts (Ellsworth Avenue) to James Richard Keough and Florence Smith Keough, she was raised there with her 2 younger brothers. She attended St. Mary’s High School in Cambridge, then later transitioned and graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School. Always true to her roots, she considered herself a Cambridge girl to the core.
Betsy was married then divorced. She raised her 3 children in Arlington, Massachusetts where she built her life. Betsy was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She doted on her family and was happiest when she was surrounded by loved ones. She later moved to Woburn where she spent the last 30 years of her life.
Betsy worked as an executive secretary at the Arlington Boys and Girls Club for almost 40 years. She dedicated her life to the Boys and Girls Club impacting families and children for decades. She was a well-established part of the community and her footprint will live forever.
Her greatest hobby in life was taking care of her family and everyone she considered family. In her early years, she was an active member of the Cabalero Drum and Bugle Corps in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In her later years, she enjoyed time with close friends and the Women’s Catholic Club.
Betsy was the happiest, silliest lady, always trying to make everyone smile and giggle. She loved sayings: “Believe”, “Always kiss me goodnight”, “Always wear cute pajamas to bed, you never know who you will meet in your dreams”, and “you can take the girl out of Cambridge, but you can’t take Cambridge out of the girl”.
She is predeceased by her parents James Richard and Florence Keough and a brother Gerard Keough.
She is survived by her 3 children and their spouses: Wayne and Alison McDaniel of Woburn, MA, Richard McDaniel and Erica Nye of Woburn, MA, and Aimee (McDaniel) and Jeffrey Laut of South Glastonbury, CT. She leaves behind her grandchildren, whom she adored, Delaney May, Abigail Joy and Rory James McDaniel of Woburn, MA; Rebecca Laut of West Hartford, CT and Erica Laut of Brooklyn, NY; Walker Nye. She is also survived by a brother and his wife James Richard and Donna Keough and their children. She was always surrounded by wonderful friends who enriched her life, in addition to extended family. Lastly, her faithful canine, Goliath, will miss her terribly. No doubt she is actively reconnecting with old friends in heaven, especially her dear friend Mary Antworth.
The family would like to thank the dedicated healthcare team at Winchester Hospital who cared for her over the last year of her life. She was so grateful for the individualized/personalized care she received.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James L McKeown Boys and Girls Club of Woburn Massachusetts, where her son Wayne and daughter-in-law Alison are actively engaged.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts (Ellsworth Avenue) to James Richard Keough and Florence Smith Keough, she was raised there with her 2 younger brothers. She attended St. Mary’s High School in Cambridge, then later transitioned and graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School. Always true to her roots, she considered herself a Cambridge girl to the core.
Betsy was married then divorced. She raised her 3 children in Arlington, Massachusetts where she built her life. Betsy was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She doted on her family and was happiest when she was surrounded by loved ones. She later moved to Woburn where she spent the last 30 years of her life.
Betsy worked as an executive secretary at the Arlington Boys and Girls Club for almost 40 years. She dedicated her life to the Boys and Girls Club impacting families and children for decades. She was a well-established part of the community and her footprint will live forever.
Her greatest hobby in life was taking care of her family and everyone she considered family. In her early years, she was an active member of the Cabalero Drum and Bugle Corps in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In her later years, she enjoyed time with close friends and the Women’s Catholic Club.
Betsy was the happiest, silliest lady, always trying to make everyone smile and giggle. She loved sayings: “Believe”, “Always kiss me goodnight”, “Always wear cute pajamas to bed, you never know who you will meet in your dreams”, and “you can take the girl out of Cambridge, but you can’t take Cambridge out of the girl”.
She is predeceased by her parents James Richard and Florence Keough and a brother Gerard Keough.
She is survived by her 3 children and their spouses: Wayne and Alison McDaniel of Woburn, MA, Richard McDaniel and Erica Nye of Woburn, MA, and Aimee (McDaniel) and Jeffrey Laut of South Glastonbury, CT. She leaves behind her grandchildren, whom she adored, Delaney May, Abigail Joy and Rory James McDaniel of Woburn, MA; Rebecca Laut of West Hartford, CT and Erica Laut of Brooklyn, NY; Walker Nye. She is also survived by a brother and his wife James Richard and Donna Keough and their children. She was always surrounded by wonderful friends who enriched her life, in addition to extended family. Lastly, her faithful canine, Goliath, will miss her terribly. No doubt she is actively reconnecting with old friends in heaven, especially her dear friend Mary Antworth.
The family would like to thank the dedicated healthcare team at Winchester Hospital who cared for her over the last year of her life. She was so grateful for the individualized/personalized care she received.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James L McKeown Boys and Girls Club of Woburn Massachusetts, where her son Wayne and daughter-in-law Alison are actively engaged.