Sr. Betty Ann Clor, member of the Servants of Jesus since its founding, died on Feb. 18 at Beaumont Hospital, Troy. Betty was 75 years old and in the 59th year of religious life.

Betty was born on April 13, 1936, in Detroit to Gertrude and Anthony Clor. Her father was a police officer with the post at Belle Isle, and her mother worked for the Detroit Traffic Court. Betty learned many of her culinary skills by helping out at home. Her elementary schooling took place at St. Anthony School and St. Louis the King School. It was at St. Louis School that Betty became acquainted with the Felician Sisters and went on to graduate from Felician Academy High School. She entered the convent in Livonia in June 1953.

Early in her religious life, Betty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics at Madonna College (now University) and a Master of Home Economics degree from Wayne State University. This background prepared her well for the 55 years she spent in active ministry. For a number of years, Betty taught a variety of home economics classes at Catholic high schools in Detroit, Manistee, Riverview and Wyandotte. Her approach to teaching was always hands-on,  creative and productive. Betty’s classes were filled with students, both male and female, who delighted in learning “reality” skills for life.

Not confining her talent for teaching to the classroom, Betty conducted classes at various community centers and Hudson’s — providing instructions in sewing, knitting, crocheting, calligraphy and preparing special culinary dishes.

In the mid-1980s, Betty shifted her ministry to that of pastoral associate at Sacred Heart Parish, Grosse Ile. For almost 10 years she worked with the Christian Service and Worship committees and shared the secretarial and bookkeeping tasks of the parish. Highlighting these years was the reputation she built up for designing and sewing liturgical vestments, antipendiums and banners. She also developed computer-enhanced gift items, cards and programs.

In early 1992, Betty accepted a full-time position with the Archdiocese of Detroit as secretary to Bishops Bernard Harrington and Moses Anderson. She also maintained the archival records of the closed schools in the archdiocese, supplying documents and transcripts as needed.

Betty served in leadership in the Servants of Jesus for a three-year term and willingly shared her gifts whenever called upon. She worked very closely with Srs. Barbara Celeskey and Irene Doman in the publication of the semi-annual publication of the Servants’ Word.

Although she officially retired in 2007, Betty continued to keep busy with her special projects, spending quality time with her family, sewing vestments and creating an array of greeting cards.  Despite the lung problems that dogged her for a couple of years, Betty was present at Mass, at meetings and all special events. She truly lived her life to the fullest.

Betty is survived by her sister Mary, and many special nieces and nephews. Her brother Anthony and her sister Patricia predeceased her within the past year.

Betty was waked at the Hauss Funeral Home on Monday, Feb. 20. Her funeral Mass took place at St. Matthias Church, Sterling Heights, on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Betty was laid to rest in the Sisters’ section of Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Detroit.

May the angels welcome our Sister Betty into paradise!