Betty attended Belmont, MA public schools, and graduated class of 1956, and went on to attend Boston University. John and Betty were married in September of 1958 and made their home in Belmont before moving their family to Holliston, MA in 1965. Betty returned to work when her kids began school and had various positions in administration at Sears & Roebuck, Logos Bookstores, and Creative Playthings when she retired in 1998. 

Betty had a passion for refinishing furniture, sewing (her own and her kids’ clothes when they were little, and even made her niece’s wedding dress), and knitting for many family members who were recipients of cozy handmade sweaters. Betty was also passionate about reading and was always borrowing books from her friends’ private libraries, and loved to share her knowledge with others. Family “vacations” always involved historical destinations. Everyone wanted to be on Betty’s team for Trivial Pursuit. 

Betty was a woman of service, she served on church boards and conferences for the Evangelical Covenant Church. She volunteered with the schools, enjoyed the neighborhood bible studies, and always supported John’s interests with his community activities. 

Betty is survived by her children, Jennifer G. Nilsen (Brent A. Estes), of Tulsa, OK, Donna E. (Nilsen) Appleby (Dave), of North Garden, VA, J. Jeff Nilsen (Kim), of  Hebron, IN; Grandchildren, Joshua Federico, Elizabeth Appleby, Kaitlin Appleby, Emily Nilsen, Brandon Nilsen, Nicole Nilsen; Great-Grandchildren, Juliana Federico, Eva Federico, Hayden Appleby, Lexi Hartman. Along with many other close family members and friends. Betty is also survived by her siblings, C. Gordon Shaw (Carol), of Waltham, MA, Peggy A. Shaw (Lois), of New York, Laura J. Shaw, of Arlington, MA, and her sister-in-law Mary A. Laitres of Palmer, MA. She is predeceased by her siblings, Norma L. Shaw, James A. Shaw, and Joseph “Skipper” C. Shaw III. 

A memorial service will be held in VA, on Thursday, September 19th at 3:00 at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, VA. A memorial service and burial will be held in Holliston, MA on Saturday, October 12th at 1:00 pm at Chesmore Funeral Home, 854 Washington St. with the burial following at Lake Grove Cemetery in Holliston.