BELFAST — Elizabeth “Betty” Crosby Breslin, 81, died Feb. 17, 2015, at her home in Belfast surrounded by her family and pastors. Born Aug. 3, 1933, in Belfast, she was the daughter of Philip Barker and Bernice C. Crosby.

She was valedictorian of the Class of 1951 at Crosby High School and a graduate of Wellesley College, where she was a member of Zeta Alpha Society; she also earned a master's degree from the University of Arkansas.

After college, Betty worked for the Sunday editor of The New York Times. Later, she worked on political campaigns and as office secretary to a U.S. senator from New Jersey and aspiring governor of New Jersey. She was also a research assistant for Nelson Rockefeller in his political campaign for senator and U.S. president.

In 1957, Betty married Alan Richenaker and they lived in New York City, and later in New Jersey, where their daughter, Robin, was born. They enjoyed cultural activities, travel, skiing and trips to Maine. After Alan’s death, Betty returned to Maine, where she was involved in many civic organizations, including serving as trustee of the Belfast Free Library, as a member of the First Church in Belfast and president of the Northport Golf Club Ladies League.

After moving to Cambridge, Mass., Betty married Fred Breslin in 1972 and moved to Arkansas. Three years later, they returned to Maine and enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Pitcher Pond. She was a member of P.E.O., Travelers Club and Friends of the Belfast Free Library; a board member of UMaine Senior College at the Hutchinson Center, where she was also a student; a member of the Board of Incorporators at Waldo County General Hospital; and vice president of the Eastern Maine Wellesley Club. Betty was an avid golfer, bridge player, reader and lover of literature, art and music. She valued travel greatly, traveling throughout the continental United States, Europe and Mexico. Further, she cherished and honored her friendships, which were an important part of her life.

Above all, she loved most being a mother. She shared so many of her interests and loves with her daughter, Robin, beginning with early museum trips when Robin was a very small child. Betty fostered in her a love of the arts, which Robin pursued in her career in New York City.

Mrs. Breslin was predeceased by her first husband, Alan Richenaker; her second husband, Fred Breslin; and her daughter, Robin Richenaker. She is survived by her brother, Philip Crosby and his wife, Judy; her cousin, Barbara Pearson; three very dear nieces, Jayne Crosby Giles and her husband, Michael, Jan Crosby Banks, and Karen Crosby Mehorter and her husband, Sam; her great-nieces, Mallory Harnden and Claire Banks; her great-nephews, Loring Giles and James Mehorter; and her cousins, Jeffrey and Lori Jean Pearson, and Debra Bryant; her great great-nephew Randall C. Harnden; and great-great niece Kalliope S. Mehorter.

A memorial service followed by a reception will be held Friday, March 6 at 10 a.m. at The First Church in Belfast. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the UMaine Hutchinson Center Senior College Endowment Fund, 80 Belmont Ave., Belfast, ME 04915, or the Belfast Free Library, 106 High St., Belfast, ME 04915.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service.