BEVERLY: Betty J. (Preston) Megrath, 88, died Wednesday, July 18, 2012 peacefully in her home surrounded by her family following a year long illness. She was the wife of the late William A. Megrath, Jr. with whom she shared fifty-five years of marriage.
Born in Beverly on May 16, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Hiram W. and Helen M. (Cooper) Preston. A lifelong resident of Beverly, Betty was a graduate of Beverly High School class of 1942 and had attended Salem Commercial School.
Betty was employed as a secretary at the former United Shoe Machinery Corp. in Beverly during the 1940’s. She also worked as a teacher at the Harborlight Kindergarten in Beverly for seventeen years. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Beverly, where she volunteered on many boards, committees, projects and activities. She also served for many years on the Board of Directors and as the President of the Girdler House.
She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne J. Harlow of Beverly; two sons, William A. Megrath, III and his wife, Laureen (Ganey) of Beverly and Robert P. Megrath and his wife, Megan (Pendlebury) of Rowley; three grandsons, Brian P. Harlow of Morristown, NJ, William A. Megrath, IV and Scott A. Megrath both of Beverly and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by her brother, Rodney W. Preston.
Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 28th in the First Baptist Church, 221 Cabot St., Beverly at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the First Baptist Church, 221 Cabot St., Beverly, MA 01915 or to the charity of one’s choice.