Every week The Psychogenealogist shares a "Pic of the Week." The intent is to encourage thought and imagination about the spaces where psychology, genealogy, and history converge.

My paternal grandmother, Betty Grace Sears Hanley (1924-1981) was born on Halloween, October 31, 1924. This was the Halloween themed birthday cake her family made for her on her 47th birthday in 1971.

**Birthday Cake for Betty Grace Sears (1971)**

Grandma died when I was quite young, and I have only a few very vague memories of her. Thankfully, there are dozens, perhaps hundreds, of photos of her that have helped me get to “know” her. Here are just a few of my very favorites.

Betty Grace Sears Hanley (1924-1981)

Betty with siblings early 1940s

Far right

Easter 1969

Second in from the left, where grey bowler hat

Hawaii Trip 1969

Orange dress

Europe (possibly Ireland) 1974

With older sister, Dorothy Sears (1922-1927)

Hawaii 1969 with friend

Left

Home - Kalamazoo, MI early 1970s

Poised and Elegant 1970s

Hamming it up with friends 1970s

Right

With husband (my grandfather) Michael John Hanley Jr. (1924-2015)

With steward, Hawaii 1969

Early 1940s

Happy New Year!

Celebrating the New Year (I think) on cruise with friends and husband.

Aloha! Hawaii 1969

(TIP: If you are viewing on a mobile device and the captions aren’t displaying, try turning your device to landscape mode.)

For a much larger collection of photos check out the Betty Grace Flickr photo album.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Questions:

Do you have relatives with Halloween birthdays? Christmas? February 29th?
What are some of the favorite birthday cakes in your family history?
Do you have pictures of them? I would love to see them.

Interested In Learning More About Our Services?

Consult With The Psychogenealogist

Photo Colorization

Related Posts: Sears Family

Featured

"Her Heart Was as Big as a Mountain"

This is the only first hand account I have ever heard about my 2nd great grandmother, Clara Rachel (Miles) (Myers) Sears (1875-1934).

Oliver E. Myers (1873-1935) Expires At Home From Paralysis

After years of searching, of and on, I somehow just now stumbled upon the obituary of my 2nd great grandfather, Oliver Edgar Myers (1873-1935).

The Leaning Tree - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 23)

It is impossible to overstate the multigenerational prominence The Leaning Tree Lodge has in the collective memory of my extended family. Affectionately known as “The Cabin”, it sits on the Au Sable River, east of Grayling, Michigan and has been connected to our family since the 1960s.

Sweethearts in Summer - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 18)

Of the hundreds (thousands?) of family photographs I’ve gone through (multiple times) this one struck me this week because I don’t recall ever seeing it before. It shows my paternal grandparents, Michael John Hanley Jr. (1924-2015) and Betty Grace Hanley Sears (1924-1981).

Grandma's Recipe Box - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 1)

This is the recipe box of my paternal grandmother, Betty Grace Sears Hanley (1924-1981). It includes recipes for “Thrifty Peach Bavarian”, “Fiesta Shrimp Sauce”, and “Honeyscotch Sundae”. Bon Appetit!

Sweethearts Wed on Soggy Flint Michigan Day (1946)

It was a cool and wet Saturday afternoon at the corner of 5th Avenue and Saginaw Street in Flint, Michigan. On Saturday, May 4th, 1946, high school sweethearts, Betty Grace Sears (1924-1981) and Michael John Hanley Jr. (1924-2015), were married at St. Michael Catholic Church.

Pic of the Week (#131) - Ida's Patriotic Summer Celebration

Always fun-loving and jovial, this photo really captures the spirit of my great grandmother, Ida Rhoads Sears (1900-2002). She is own the far right wearing the American flag hat. This is part of her story.

Dewey Loudermilk (1898-1957): The Coolest Name In My Family Tree

Dewey Loudermilk (1898-1957) was my 1st cousin 3x removed. He has, perhaps, the coolest name in my family tree. This is his story.

The Last Will and Testament of Christopher Adkins (1825-1887), My 4th Great Grandfather

“I Christopher Adkins, of Epsom, in the County of Daviess, and State of Indiana, merchant, being of sound and disposing mind and memory …” - I believe this to be the last will and testament of my 4th great grandfather, Christopher Adkins (1825-1887).

1942 Letterman of Saint Michael High School in Flint, MI: Michael John Hanley Jr. (1924-2015)

Letterman (1942) of the Saint Michael High School Basketball team in Flint, MI and my grandfather, Michael John Hanley Jr. (1924-2015). This is his story.