Betty Lou (Melson) Swain
May 22, 1928 - March 10, 2023
Betty Lou (Melson) Swain, age 94, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023.
Born in Cambridge, MD on May 22, 1928, she was the only daughter of the late Samuel Elmer and Helen Elizabeth (Benson) Melson. A life-long resident of Delaware, she was raised in Bridgeville, graduating from Bridgeville High School and Beacom College (now Goldey-Beacom), where she received a Bachelor of Commercial Science degree. Betty was an executive secretary at Hercules Incorporated, retiring after more than forty years.
Mrs. Swain was a past state president of the Delaware Federation of Business and Professional Women and a past matron of Caesar Rodney Chapter No. 8. Order of the Eastern Star. She belonged to both Howard Weston and New Castle Senior Centers. A member of Asbury United Methodist Church, she had served on their Trustees and Administrative Board. More recently, she enjoyed volunteering at their Food Closet. She also took several classes at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Betty enjoyed traveling, gardening, and painting, especially water colors, and dancing.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, George Edward Swain, Jr.; brothers, Benson Walter Melson, and Franklin Elmer Melson, Sr. She is survived by three nephews, Franklin E. Melson, Jr. (Diane), Richard Cecil Melson (the late Janice), and Samuel Mark Melson (Fannie); three grand-nieces; four grand-nephews; six great-grand-nieces; and two great-grand-nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 am on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 10:30 am. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s memory to Asbury United Methodist Church, 300 East Basin Road, New Castle, DE 19720 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Kathleen Makowski
So sorry for your loss. May she Rest In Peace.
Betty Ann Short
Betty was a good friend I have known for many years.
MaryBurnstein
I knew Betty threw the Howard Western Center, we had a lot of good times together she and I wi bowled 4or5years together. I loved her so sorry to hear of her passing.
Donna Orlando
I am so sorry for your loss. Betty will be greatly missed. She was part of our weekly card group and was such a lovely lady. I will miss Betty’s smile and quiet presence.
Richard M Farmer Jr
We were so very sorry to learn of Betty’s passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of her family and friends.
Janet Jackson
Betty was a sweet, gentle lady that amazed everyone with the things she could do for a woman in her mid-90’s. She played cards, still drove a car, offered to give friends a ride, & volunteered at the food closet She sat behind me in church every Sunday & always had a smile. Her presence will really be missed.
Dottie Manuel
I met Betty through the Weston Sr Center. She was always such a kind lady who was very welcoming to newcomers. I will miss her. May she Rest In Peace.
Donna Eisenbrey
I’m so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing and your loss. I met Betty through Howard Weston Sr Center many years ago. On one of Weston’s trips we shared a room. She was a kind, gentle lady. I will miss her gentle giggle and smiling face!