Elizabeth McGrory Obituary Elizabeth Ann "Bettianne" McGrory August 23, 1929 August 29, 2025 Elizabeth Ann "Bettianne" McGrory, age 96, of Plymouth, MN, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, after a brief illness and a long, meaningful life. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of kindness, grace, deep friendships, and devoted family. Born in North Adams, Massachusetts, Bettianne was the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Collins) Shaw. She and her future husband, John Francis McGrory, were childhood friends and high school sweethearts. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in North Adams in 1946 and the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1950. She later earned a masters degree in education. While John served in the Navy and attended law school in Boston, Bettianne taught grade school. They married in 1953 and moved to Wayzata, MN, in 1955, where together they raised seven children. Bettianne carried herself with kindness and grace, but also with strength, conviction, and wisdom. She was a strong advocate for herself and family and never hesitated to stand on principle. She treasured her 17 grandchildren, offering advice, encouragement, and unconditional love. She celebrated each of their unique gifts. Whenever they said their goodbyes, she would add, "Goodbye, dear. God bless you." Bettianne was known for her sparkling eyes, gift for listening, and devotion to community. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed baking, crossword puzzles, tennis, gardening, golf, downhill skiing, and daily walks. She made three hole-in-ones after the age of 60 and successfully persuaded Wayzata Country Club to extend hole-in-one insurance to women as well as men. She skied into her early 80s and swam into her 90s. She also encouraged and supported her childrens and grandchildrens many sporting events, concerts, and recitals, and applauded at the conclusion, no matter the outcome. She also loved the outdoors, travel, and adventure, especially family road trips. Most famously, in the summer of 1970, she and John packed up their seven childrenages 6 to 16for a month-long road trip to Alaska, creating memories that became family lore. In 1976, they built a cabin in Ely that continues to serve as a family adventure base and retreat. Her adventurous spirit was another way her wisdom shone through. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to seek out challenges, pursue higher education, stay curious, and embrace diversity and resilience. Her community outreach activities included being a Girl Scout leader for all five of her daughters troops, volunteering with the National Ski Patrol, and serving as a Guardian ad Litem for youth in Hennepin County. She was a longtime member of several Catholic parishesincluding St. Bartholomew in Wayzata, Queen of Angels in Port Angeles, Washington, and Holy Name of Jesus in Plymouth. In retirement, Bettianne and John headed west to Sequim, Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula, where they lived with mountain and ocean views for two decades. Bettianne returned to Wayzata after Johns passing in 2007. Since 2014, she had been a vibrant, community-building resident of Trillium Woods in Plymouth, where she made many cherished friends and co-founded the legendary Scotch Club. Bettianne is survived by her children: Ann (Mike) Nolan, John (Leslie Root) McGrory, Mary (Ed) McGrory-Usset, Susan (Don) Smith, Elizabeth Baltich, Molly (Mike) May, and Jim (Martha) McGrory. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Jay Nolan, Lucy Nolan, Madeline Read, Gracey McGrory, Joe Usset, Peter Usset, Emily Olkinoura, Jessica Schuh, Jackie Brand, Ben Baltich, Zack Baltich, Daniel Baltich, Michael May, Katie May, Kate Potratz, Nick McGrory, and Anna McGrory; 20 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Linda Shaw; niece and nephew Erin and Jim (Benita) Shaw; and many dear friends, including her Margaret Circle neighbors and the Trillium Woods community. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; her parents; and her brother, James. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Medina, MN, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Interfaith Outreach, Plymouth, MN. "Goodbye, dear. God bless you."