Betty J. Wehle, founded preschool

We h l e

Betty Jane Wehle, 63, formerly of Eggertsville and Orchard Park, who once owned and operated an antique store and also founded a preschool, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006, in Mercy Hospital.

Born Betty Jane Nelson, she was a graduate of Amherst Central High School.

Mrs. Wehle studied art at the Marchutz School in Aix-en-Provence, France, the University of Cincinnati and Buffalo State College. Her interest in the arts turned to business when Mrs. Wehle became owner operator of the Art Attic, an antique store on Hertel Avenue, during the 1990s.

Mrs. Wehle raised five children, with her family living first in Orchard Park and then moving to downtown Buffalo. When studying in France, Mrs. Wehle had learned about the Montessori method for preschool learning. In 1972, she founded the Southtowns Montessori School as an outlet for her own children as well as residents of the Orchard Park area.

Mrs. Wehle is survived by four daughters, Lisa Bate, Kimberly Brown, Christina Bauer and Colleen James; a son, Michael; and her mother, Ann Nelson.

A private memorial service will be held.