Elizabeth Constance Shirah

I have so many memories of my mom: hearing her play the cello, playing with her when I was old enough to accompany on the piano, trips to Vilas Zoo, New Glarus, Little Norway, or down to Illinois to visit her mother and sister and my uncle and cousins and great aunt. She struggled as a single parent but worked hard so her girls could go to excellent schools. She somehow managed to provide me with piano lessons and send me to the Lawrence Conservatory of Music for which I am so grateful. I just can't list all my memories. I am flooded with them. I am just so grateful to have been her daughter....

Mom was a big believer in peace. When my sister and I fought, we got a lecture about world peace. Our punishment was to sit facing each other and smile. We wound up grimacing and our faces looked so funny we ended up laughing.

These are from our celebration of mom's 70th birthday in the upper pennisula

I first started as a school social worker in Madison in the early 90's . Betsy was the assigned social worker at Whitehorse (the school next door), and was such an incredible support to me as I embarked on a new career. We formed a 'consultation' group that met monthly at Monty's Blue Plate Diner, and then migrated to the stage at the Harmony Corner Bar and Grill. We met for years. Betsy brought warmth, appreciation, a wealth of experiences and resources, her amazing questions, passion for the work, and dedication to the children and families she served. And, she brought a little irreverence and side-splitting stories as well. There are quite a few young folks, who are now adults, who found a listening ear and welcoming support in Betsy. My heartfelt condolences to her family and to all those who love her.

I will always remember Betsy as a warm, soft spoken sweet friend and family member. I have happy memories sharing, birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas together with family in Madison. She was a good cook and made the get togethers at her home very special. She also got into sowing and I have a beautiful Christmas table runner she made me which I use every year that will continue to keep her memory alive in our home. She was such a loving grandmother and I will always remember when it was one of the grandkids birthdays she would always have a smaller present for the other grandkids too. As she said " when it rains on one, it drips on the others". She will be missed!!! RIP sweet Betsy.