Betty (Elizabeth Ann) Mackey

St. Paul, MN

Betty passed away Sunday evening, November 2, 2025. She was under hospice care with family by her side.

Betty was born November 8, 1937, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Noble) Mackey in Pipestone, MN. She graduated from Fairmont High School in 1955. She attended Mankato State College where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in business education.

After a few years teaching in both Iowa and Minneapolis, Betty switched careers and went into the business world starting that portion of her career at Dayton Hudson (Target). She finished her career working for the State of Minnesota, retiring in 2003.

She married Nagi Salem. The marriage ended in divorce, but they remained lifelong friends. Betty was a central figure in her family where she took an active interest in the lives of her nieces and nephews.

Betty was an avid reader and engaged citizen. She could hold a conversation on any current event. She always remained curious, wanting to learn more. In her younger years she enjoyed traveling, skiing and biking. One of her lifelong hobbies was investing. She was an active member of her long-time investment club.

Survivors include brothers Bob Mackey and Bill Mackey; sister Mary (Bob) Mackey Faulkner; nieces Joey (Cobb) Beech, Anne (Mackey) Rasmusson, Tera (Charlie) VanHorn; nephews Steve (Joan) Mackey, Paul (Sally) Mackey, Joe (Dr. Bora) Faulkner, David (Jenn) Faulkner, Matt Faulkner, Jame (Brandy) Mackey.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elizabeth Mackey; sisters Judy Cobb and Joyce VanBeest; Brother Jack (Mary Ellen) Mackey;  sisters-in-law Karen Mackey and Sandy Mackey; nieces, Lori (Cobb) Marushin, Jennifer Mackey; nephews, Jake Rubbelke, Bill Cobb and Daniel VanBeest.

Betty's life will be celebrated at a gathering on November 15, 1:00pm in the community room at Lexington Landing, 900 Old Lexington Ave S, St. Paul MN 55116.  She will be interred privately per her request. The family requests any memorials be in the form of donations to local food banks.