Elizabeth "Betty" McCroskey
Oct. 19, 1937-Oct. 3, 2015
Palo Alto, California

Helen Elizabeth (Betty) McCroskey died peacefully on Oct. 3, 2015, following a long struggle with a progressive brain disease. She was 77.

Betty was born and raised in Dallas and Sherman, Texas, and she graduated from Woodrow High School in Dallas in 1956. She attended the University of Texas, where she met her husband, Jim McCroskey. She obtained a B.A. degree in liberal arts from the University of Texas, a master's degree in American history from Rutgers University, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Santa Clara University School of Law.

Betty and Jim lived in Princeton, New Jersey, for five years, where their two daughters, Nancy and Susan, were born. They moved to California in 1966 and settled in Palo Alto in 1973. They also lived one year in Brussels and one year in Paris during their marriage. Betty practiced family and elder law in Palo Alto from 1981 until her retirement in 1998, including 12 years at Gilfix and La Poll Associates, LLP.

Betty enjoyed reading, traveling, politics and home decorating, but most of all she enjoyed her family and their friends. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, William James McCroskey; daughters, Nancy Elizabeth McCroskey of Pescadero and Susan Carol Kresin of Santa Monica; and her two granddaughters, Madeline Elizabeth Kresin and Lydia Elizabeth Kresin.