Obituary of Betty Jo Melander

Melander, Betty Jo (Newton) Betty Jo Melander (89) of Golden Valley, MN, built her legacy through determination and love that extended beyond her family to the organizations she served and the hundreds of piano students whom she taught and nurtured for more than 60 years. Upon graduation with distinction from the University of Minnesota, Betty taught music, and directed bands and choirs in Buffalo Lake and Cloquet public schools. She met her husband of 57 years, Theodore Melander, in a Cloquet record shop; they married, and when their first child was born, Betty shifted her focus to teaching private piano lessons. After moving to the Twin Cities, they raised their family in Golden Valley. Betty remained active as both a leader and change agent in her church, the Minnea-polis Music Teachers Forum and other civic groups. Described by her many friends and family as fun, accepting, caring, wise, and resilient, she will be deeply missed. Betty passed away May 2, 2017 surrounded by family. Preceded in death by husband Theodore, parents, 4 brothers, and 2 sisters. She is survived by children Wesley (Jacquelyn Engel) Melander, Julie (Jim) Holmes, Thomas (Judith) Melander; grandchildren Emily Barany, Timothy (Tabatha) Melander, Libby Holmes (fiancé Nathan Haines), Cato Melander, and Mira Melander; great grandchildren Alaura Melander and Haylie Melander; sister Nelda Fae Goar Isenberg, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Memorials preferred to Westwood Lutheran Memorial Foundation. Memorial Service 11 AM, Wednes-day, May 10, 2017, at Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN. Visitation 1 hour before service and luncheon to follow. Private interment at Fort Snelling.