Bertha “Betty” Shane was born in 1932 in Belgium, the youngest and last survivor of seven children. Her family remained in Belgium until May 1940, when they fled with her aunt just as the Nazi forces invaded their country. Her father Max (Moishe) Shayngesicht, whom she adored, and his brother stayed in Antwerp, but shortly afterwards were found by the Nazis and sent to their deaths in Auschwitz.
Despite the tragic loss of her father and uncle, Betty found refuge in England and pursued her passion for learning and poetry. She became a teacher, which was her most fulfilling achievement and taught English and poetry for over 22 years. Her relatives described her as a fiercely independent woman, a thoughtful poet, a spirited teacher and a devoted friend.
Tragically, she passed away in a fire at her London residence at the age of 91.
In her will, she donated a generous gift to the University, establishing the Max Shayngesicht Prize for English Poetry.
For more information about the prize contact the British Friends at friends@bfhu.org.