Mary "Betty" E. Whalen

Mary E. McDonald Whalen, 84, of Clarks Summit, died Wednesday morning at the Jewish Home in Scranton.

Born in Scranton on March 15, 1928, she was the daughter of the late William and Helen McDonald. She was employed at McDonald Pharmacy, Gadabout Women's Clothing and several other local retail stores. Additionally, Betty also enjoyed her time as the operator of the Halfway House Country Club of Scranton for 12 years. There, she was well-known for her welcoming smile and her friendly conversation to all the members and friends who stopped by to say "hello." She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Snows Church in Clarks Summit.

Betty was a passionate animal lover who was always willing to share her home with a few dogs and cats. She also enjoyed nature and gardening. Her true passion was her time at horse shows and being involved with other local horse enthusiasts.

Surviving are two sons, George B. Jr. and wife, Donna, Clarks Summit; and Shawn T. and wife, Reiko, Leonardtown, Md.; two daughters, Georgia McLaine, Tunkhannock; and Lisa Saumell, Ruidoso, N.M.; a sister, Patricia Reitz, Shelby Twp., Mich.; 11 grandchildren, Patrick, Liam, George T., Rebecca and Thomas Whalen; Bobby and Kory Phillips; Shannon, Kelly, Ryan and Devlin; and several great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and William McDonald; and a sister, Helen Grahamer.

A blessing service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. from the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Interment will follow in Abington Hills Cemetery, South Abington Twp.

Friends may call from 10 until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10001 or by going to alzfdn.org/ContributetoAFA/makeadonation.html.