Betty Lee McHale, 80, of Newark, DE, passed away at Christiana Hospital July 18, 2013 after a lengthy illness.

Born in Upper Darby, PA on July 10, 1933, Betty Lee was the daughter of the late Charles Edward Grimsley and Margeurite L. Smith Chamblee. She was a graduate of Eddystone High School and worked most of her life as a medical secretary principally at Wilmington Hospital. She was a former member of Newark Country Club and the Sweet Adelines. Betty Lee was an active volunteer in local politics and enjoyed a wide variety of interests, among them golf, skiing, bowling, sailing, drama and gourmet cooking. She was also an avid reader.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her husband of 30 years, Edward J. McHale; two sons, Peter P. Romano, Jr. (Linda) of Wilmington, DE and Russell K. Hinkle (Rosanna) of Newport, DE; two daughters, Diana Lee Ellixson of Pennsburg, PA and Denise M. Collins (Marc) of Lincoln University, PA; 7 grandchildren, Melissa Swenk, Donald Ellixson, Jr., Thomas Ellixson, Danielle Stahler, Daniel Romano, Betty Lee Hinkle and Louisanna Hinkle; 7 great grandchildren; a brother Ralph Grimsley (Marie) and a sister Trudy Grimsley.

A service honoring her life will be held at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 West Main St., Newark, DE 19711 on Tuesday July 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private at a later date. Memorial contribution checks may be made to the American Lung Association and sent c/o the funeral home.