Elizabeth “Betty” Morrison, a retired Burlington educator, passed away after an extended illness on Saturday morning, October 25, 2025. She was 88 years old.

Betty was one of two children born to William and Elizabeth Maney. She grew up in Somerville and was a graduate of Somerville High School. She went on to earn her degree in elementary education from the Massachusetts State Teachers College.

Betty began her teaching career in the Medford school system before joining the Burlington school system, where she taught at Pine Glen School, Wildwood School, and Francis Wyman School. Although she taught in traditional classrooms, she found her true passion in special education, focusing primarily on teaching reading with some math.

A strong advocate for promoting literacy at an early age, Betty firmly believed that developing reading skills early in life greatly influenced a child’s educational success and future opportunities. She participated in the Title I Federal Education Program, ensuring that no child was left behind by providing additional support services throughout their school years. Betty was a quiet and gentle woman, except when a student’s best interest was at stake—then she became a determined advocate.

Betty and her husband, Roger, met at the Tufts College Library and shared 56 years of marriage. The saying “opposites attract” perfectly described them. Betty was a quiet, private woman and somewhat of a homebody, while Roger was deeply involved in sports, veterans’ activities, and community events. They moved to Burlington in 1972, where they raised their son, Hugh. Betty was a loving and supportive mother.

She was a frequent visitor to the Burlington Public Library, often stopping by at least once a week, and she typically read three or more books each week.

Betty was the beloved wife of Roger Morrison.  She was the loving mother of Hugh Morrison of Methuen & his late companion Andrea Marie Fisher.  She was the daughter of the late Elizabeth and William Maney.  She was the sister of William Maney, Jr. of Medford.  She was also survived by relatives in Prince Edward Island, Canada. 

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Wednesday, October 29 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A funeral service at the funeral home will begin at 11:30 a.m.  Services will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.  Memorials in Betty’s name may be made to the Friends of the Burlington Public Library, 22 Sears Street, Burlington, MA 01803.  For online guestbook and directions see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net