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Elizabeth Hutton MacDonald Artist, designer, and educator Elizabeth (Jean) Hutton MacDonald (known to many as "Betty") passed away peacefully and comfortably on January 17, 2025, at the age of 98. Born in Minneapolis, MN, she was the daughter of Hugh M. Hutton, an editorial cartoonist, and Dorothy Wackerman Hutton, an artist. Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edward H. MacDonald (August 1993). Born in Minneapolis, MN, her family also lived in Connecticut and New York. Betty was 4 yrs old when they moved to Penn Wynne, PA, outside of Philadelphia. Betty graduated with a BFA from the University of Pennsylvania in a combined program with the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. She enjoyed attending her 75th class reunion at the University of Pennsylvania in May 2023. After college Betty enjoyed creative freedom as a designer at Armstrong Cork in Lancaster, designing and drawing/painting linoleum floor designs. She shared fond memories of her time in Lancaster, selling sand tarts at Central Market, and taking in the sights whenever she could. She returned to Penn Wynne and married Ed in 1951. They welcomed their first child while living in Ardmore. They purchased their home (1955) in Narberth, PA where she lived for the remainder of her life. Betty was deeply creative, sharing her passion through teaching art lessons and painting custom needlepoint canvas designs for the Needlework Studio in Bryn Mawr (40+ yrs). Hobbies included traveling, baking/cooking, sewing her own clothes, designing and painting faux-finishes and murals. She found great enjoyment in ballroom dancing, including competitions. She excelled in numerous art forms including oil painting, watercolor, gouache, pen and ink, etching, woodcut prints, linocut prints, mono prints, silhouettes, sculpture, bobbin and free lace. Betty saw the importance of active participation and support for the fine arts community and emerging artists in the Philadelphia region. A champion of the arts community, Betty actively supported and participated in organizations like the Philadelphia Sketch Club, where she was the first woman president and received a Silver Medal in 2009. She was also a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Fellowship, the Embroiderers’ Guild of America (Secretary & Newsletter Editor), and Chi Omega. Betty’s enduring legacy includes her commitment to three organizations: Liberty Lacers, The Plastic Club, and the American Color Print Society. An early member of the Liberty Lacers, a charter chapter of the International Organization of Lace, Inc. She stepped up to fill a position when needed. Betty filled the role of President numerous times and up until her passing continued to attend and host (at her home) workshops, monthly meetings and housed the organization’s library at her home. Betty bought lottery tickets in hopes of “winning big” on their behalf, to purchase a building for meetings & workshops. A retrospective of her unique and colorful lace work was exhibited at the 2017 International Organization of Lace Annual Convention. As a continuous active member of the Plastic Club for 71 years (since 1953), she continued to submit artwork and attended an Opening as recently as Sept 2024. In addition to other awards her artwork is distinguished by medals awarded for Plastic Club Members Annual Medal shows, spanning 66 years: 1952 Silver, 1965 Silver, 1980 Silver, 1981 Gold, 1986 Bronze, 2018 Silver. Betty previously held numerous positions at the Plastic Club including Board positions as President, Vice-President, Treasurer, as well as volunteer positions. Up until her passing Betty had planned to submit artwork & attend the upcoming opening in February 2025. Until her passing she remained an active participant and board member of the American Color Print Society (ACPS), attending monthly meetings (most recently Dec 2024) and submitting color prints to shows throughout 2024. In fall of 2021 the ACPS hosted a Retrospective of her color prints spanning her work from 1943 to 2020. Previously a member of the Narberth art group (facilitating “Art Goes to School”), Bryn Mawr Needlework Studio (co-owner) and a Girl Scout leader (Brownie through Senior) for her daughters’ troops (1964 through 1981). She helped empower girls with experiences, activities, learning skills, and mentoring girls in planning and implementing field trips as well as exciting overnight adventures. Betty was treasured by her family and will be deeply missed. We hope she paints the sky with artful clouds and colors that shine down upon us all. Betty is survived by her children: Robert “Bob” MacDonald, Dorothy “Demi” Porter (Steven), Margaret “Peg” MacDonald (Nancy Meisinger), and Andrew MacDonald (widower of Ethan Jarvis); her grandchildren: Amy Brose (Jeremy), David Porter (Katlin), Jessica (Steven), and Julie; and her great-grandchildren: Ava, Hannah, Gemma, Abby, Finnley, Becca & Jorge. She is also survived by a nephew, 4 nieces, 2 great-nephews, and 2 great-nieces. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Robert Hutton, and nephew, Charles M. Hutton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Plastic Club of Philadelphia, International Organization of Lace, Inc, or the American Color Print Society. A private burial will be held by her family, and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

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Elizabeth Hutton MacDonald

December 3, 1926 - January 17, 2025