Betty Jane O'Roak

Bradenton, FL – Betty Jane O’Roak (McAllister), passed away on December 14th, 2024, at the age of 87. She is survived by her daughter Sharon Wallace and her husband Charles; her daughter Debbie Rogers; her son Kevin O’Roak and his wife Janice; her grandchildren Christina Valentin, Megan Wallace, Heather Piper and her husband Daniel, Erica Danylko and her husband Jordan, Amanda Lewis and her husband Jon, and Brandon O’Roak; her step-grandchildren Steven Masse and his wife Samantha, and Nichole Libby; her great-grandchildren Parker Ellis and Alyssa Ellis; her step-great-grandchildren Payton Masse and Kingslee Masse; her sister Jean Montgomery; and close friends Kim and Gary Caron. She is predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Ina McAllister, and husband Mervyn O’Roak. Betty was born on July 7th, 1937, in South Paris, Maine. After moving to southern Maine, she graduated from Portland High School. While in high school, she worked at Laneo’s restaurant where she eventually met her husband, Mervyn, when he came in for lunch every day. Upon hearing his name as Melvin instead of Mervyn, she decided to call him Mel for short. This nickname stuck for the rest of their lives. Betty and Mel were married on September 13th, 1958, where they proceeded to have a wonderful 62 years together filled with love and laughter. Betty was a stay-at-home mom during many years of motherhood. She loved being involved in every event she could with her children and community. Throughout motherhood she was a girl scout leader, boy scout leader, mother advisor to the rainbow chapter, and even once chaired for the Westbrook Together Days festival. When not involved with the many events, Betty made sure to keep the family active with trips up and down the east coast in the family pop-up camper and enjoyed many years camping at the Walnut Grove Campground. As her children grew, she joined the workforce here and there. But by 1993 she retired from the regular workforce to become a full-time grandmother. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family and being able to help her grown kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids was a blessing. For someone who couldn’t seem to sit still, she loved having something to keep her busy with HGTV and Food Network playing in the background. In her free time from raising generations of children, she loved to bake. Each Christmas, she’d decorate her home to the nines and bake for a small army. The kitchen was always destroyed with chocolate, but the sweets were thoroughly loved. Chex mix, peanut butter balls, strawberry rhubarb pie, Needham’s, and “Nannie crackers” were stacked high and goodie bags were made for every teacher, bus driver, and friend she had. Unfortunately, the dinner rolls never made it to the holiday table without being burned. Outside of the house, Betty enjoyed being involved with the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club with her husband Mel and making Christmas ornaments every year. Together they traveled across the US on their bike and every year to Lake George for bike week. Her generous heart was always giving to Toys for Tots at the Westbrook Police Department and working with the Ronald MacDonald House in Portland. The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the Green Brier Rehabilitation & Nursing Facility for all the help and care provided to Betty, especially when she never wanted to ask for the help. Betty was the glue that holds many family traditions, memories, and our family together. She will be missed more than she’ll ever realize, but we are so thankful to know she’s made it back to her beloved Mel’s arms. The world lost a light but gained the most generous angel.

Betty Jane O'Roak

July 7, 1937 - December 14, 2024

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