Elizabeth (Betty) Evans King, June 15, 2014. Born November 12, 1923, in Arlington, MA, the youngest of three children. When her oldest sister was born, her grandparents, Marmi and Gramp, came to visit and never left. They were an important part of her family, as her father died when she was nine years old. Her mother supported the family as a music teacher and professional pianist. Gramp was a consummate story teller and Betty inherited many of his trademark phrases (including Mighty aches from little toe corns grow), inspiring a life-long appreciation of word play and language. Ever vigilant with grammar, she could be counted on to gently correct anyone, anytime. Her wit and love of rhyme were legendary among family and friends. Betty Anne or B.A. as she was known, spent many summers among the pines of Waukeela Camp for Girls in Eaton Center, NH. Her mother, Dorothy Evans, was the music irector. Bettys daughters and granddaughters also went to Waukeela, learning from her a great appreciation of natural beauty. Betty attended Middlebury College during the war years and after graduation worked in the MIT Math Department. Through an affiliation with a youth newspaper, she was asked to interview a naval officer, George King, who was teaching sonar and radar at MIT. Two years later on April 17, 1948, Betty and George were married at the Martha Mary Chapel at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury. Georges job with General Precision Laboratories took them to Pleasantville, NY where they lived from 1948 until 1972. Their seven children were born there: Betsy, Sally, Peggy, Cyndy, CC, Bill and Bob. Betty fostered a loving, vibrant and slightly chaotic home. The children were encouraged to play outside, to pursue a musical instrument, and allowed to build forts in the living room. Sunday evenings were devoted to a Disney movie with popcorn and apples for dinner. Family trips included annual car drives to Florida and Indiana to visit grandmothers in a station wagon packed with 7 children, one dog, luggage and food. Betty loved taking her children to Jones Beach and Cape Cod. Betty inspired many with her life-long community activism. In Pleasantville she volunteered in her childrens schools and for other ctivities. She was on the board of trustees which raised funds for and built a new library for the town. She also found time for the Great Books literary discussion series and an occasional role in community theater. Much beloved by the community, Betty and George were named Mr. and Mrs. Pleasantville in 1972. The family moved to Concord, MA in 1972. She found her home in Concord through First Parish, where she became active with the Womens Parish Association, the Herb Garden, running the kitchen for countless church functions, and Social Action. She helped formulate procedures still in place today that provide grants to support social justice organizations both locally and abroad. George and Betty responded with open hearted generosity to each new arrival at First Parish. Many people report that their first friendly welcome was from Betty. In 1985 Betty was among a small group of First Parish members who to continue the vision and work of prominent Unitarian Universalist minister Dana McLean Greeley. Together they conceived and established the Dana McLean Greeley Foundation for Peace and Justice. Betty was active on the board of trustees for many years. Programming ranged from local initiatives to working with President Jimmy Carter on forming the International Negotiation Network. Other community activism included the Concord Library, REUSIT, and CROP WALK. Betty and George also hosted a number of foreign exchange students over the years. In the years preceding Georges death in 2010, Betty was his primary care-giver. After his death she moved to Newbury Court, where one of her favorite activities was a weekly memoir writing group. She enjoyed church on Sundays and gathering with family as far flung as Seattle and Greece. Bettys enthusiasm for her children and grandchildren never dimmed. She cultivated a fierce commitment to kindness, gratitude, and humor in her family and every community she touched. She will be remembered by many. Betty is survived by her children, Betsy of Athens, Greece, Sally and Cyndy, of Seattle, WA, C.C., of Concord, Bill of Ithaca, NY, Bob of Keene, NH, and their spouses; her grandchildren, Spyro, Danae, Geordi, Margot, Sarah, Kosta, Natalie, Dorothy, Lyell, Lisa, Gene, James, Clem, Elizabeth, Nina, and Ben; her great grandchildren Danae and Electra. Her daughter Margaret Rose King died in 2001. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 6 at First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Road. Dee Funeral Home is handling memorial arrangements; you are invited to visit the guest book at www.deefuneralhome.com.