Naomi E. “Betty” (Gaskill) McManus, 75, a longtime resident of Acton, Mass. and formerly of Melrose, Mass., died on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Massachusetts General Hospital from injuries she sustained after being struck by a motor vehicle in Acton.

Betty leaves her husband of 50 years, Kevin J. McManus of Acton; her daughter Naomi Mathis and her husband Darren of Acton, and her son, Keith McManus and his wife Erin of Barrington. She is survived by her 7 grandchildren, Liam, Kieran and Fiona McManus all of Barrington; Maya, Sadie, Ruby and Chase Mathis all of Acton. In addition, she leaves sister-in-law Sylvia Smith of Newton, Mass., wife of Betty’s late brother Dean Gaskill, and her son Justin Gaskill and his wife Lisa, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Betty was born in Medford, Mass., the daughter of the late Arthur L. and Naomi T. (Matthews) Gaskill. She was raised in Melrose where she attended local schools and was a 1959 graduate of Melrose H.S. She later received her nursing degree from Lawrence Memorial Hospital in 1963. An Acton resident for the past 49 years, she served as executive director of the Acton Housing Authority and on the board of directors and president of the Doli Atamian Campership Program, Inc. of Acton.

Betty was a selfless woman who dedicated her life to helping others, which could be seen in every facet of her life. As a mother, Betty raised her children with strong values founded in family and helping others. Summers were spent in Maine with extended family and friends, enjoying the simple things in life like walks on the beach, finding sand dollars, gardening, and countless cribbage games. Her family’s devotion to each other is one to be modeled as they always took time to celebrate their love. 

As a mother and grandmother Betty was inspirational as she left a caring print on everything she touched. Family always came first. Her life centered around her children and grandchildren so Mimi’s house was always full of new crafts, games, and toys. She loved to share her “art” with her grandchildren; teaching them how to knit, refining their drawing skills, or naming the birds in the backyard…Mimi knowledge.

As a best friend, she offered unwavering support. In her career, the mission was clear — give back to the community she cared so much about. Betty and Kevin moved to Acton 49 years ago and shortly thereafter she began that mission in public service. In her early years she volunteered for the CODE — the suicide and mental health hotline and balanced substitute nursing in the schools while her children were young. When the Acton Housing Authority was established in 1978 Betty was hired as their first executive director and served her community in that capacity for 26 years. Under her supervision the housing authority grew its portfolio from 30 to over 300 units. Betty also served as president of the Doli Atamian Campership fund for over 20 years, a program that provides meaningful camp and summer experiences to the children of families served by the Acton Housing Authority. In 2014 and on behalf of the Doli Atamian Program Betty accepted the William Ryan Community Service Award to recognize the invaluable contributions and ongoing positive impact on the community, particularly on its youngest and most vulnerable members. Betty has been instrumental in the continued success of this program. It was her passion during her retirement years since 2005 and in 2013, as a thank you for her years of service, the Sachem Way family housing was renamed McManus Village. 

Betty will continue to serve as an inspiration and role model to those who knew her and knew of her. Her spirit will live on in those who loved her. 

Betty’s life was taken too soon, but her family and friends find solace in the time spent and happy memories made. If nothing else, may everyone take something from her life and her death — in a world where everyone is moving too fast, take time to pause, savor and appreciate every minute. Spend time with those you love and that love you and don’t forget to smell the roses. Everyday matters.

A service and celebration of Betty’s life was held on Monday, June 19 in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 164 Newtown Road, Acton, MA 01720. Committal services will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Acton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Betty may be made to: Doli Atamian Campership Program, Inc., P.O. Box 693, Acton, MA 01720. Memorial page www.actonfuneralhome.com