Elizabeth Jean McBrair

Betty McBrair, age 98, of New Berlin, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026. She was the loving mother of Jerry (Pam) McBrair, Scott (Eileen) McBrair, Jill (Bill) LaCroix, Jan Uphoff, and son-in-law Larry Wills. She was the proud grandmother of Heather (Chris) LaMaster, Heidi McBrair, Troy McBrair, Daniel LaCroix, Colin (Cassie) McBrair, and Jenni LaCroix, and great-grandmother of Kori, Harper, Connor, and Charlotte. She is also survived by her sister Donna. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 78 years, Milne “Mac” McBrair, her daughter Mickie Wills, and her brothers Nelson and Duane.

Born in Iola, Wisconsin, Betty was raised in nearby Plainfield and graduated from Plainfield High School in 1944. She married Mac McBrair in 1946, and the couple moved to Milwaukee in 1948, where she formed close friendships with other young post-war mothers. While raising five children, she served as an officer in The Mothers of Twins Club and The Tee Birds Golf League, and worked at Gimbels during the holidays. She found joy in golf, ceramics, bowling, and caring for her grandchildren, often traveling over a thousand miles to support them when their parents worked. She took great delight in watching her children and grandchildren participate in T-ball, soccer, karate, basketball, cross country, and track.

In her late 50s, Betty faced the challenge of a disabling benign brain tumor, yet her strong will allowed her to continue enjoying life and, on occasion, beating Mac at golf—a feat she proudly displayed with several trophies.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff and residents at The Regency New Berlin and Linden Court, as well as the Common Heart Hospice team, during her final years. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.