Elizabeth M Straka

MONONA - Elizabeth May Straka passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025. She was born in Birmingham, England, on July 10, 1934. A child of World War II, she told many stories of living in blackouts, wearing gas masks, and running to school as war planes shot down at her. She fought to overcome a childhood illness that confined her to a wheelchair and leg braces, and then had to move to Cheltenham, England, to live with her sister, Dora, and her husband, Burt, due to her father contracting Tuberculosis. Despite all of this, Elizabeth had fond memories of her childhood in England. One story she liked to share was her time playing Rugby and breaking her nose - not once, but twice! She was proud to be a tomboy, which may be hard to imagine for those who know her only as the beautiful, elegant woman she grew to be.

In 1954, Betty, as she was affectionately known earlier in her life, joined her two sisters, Joanie and Sylvia, who immigrated to Baraboo, Wis., after World War II. Sylvia introduced Elizabeth to James Straka, and the two married after a three-month courtship. They made a home in Monona, Wis., where their first daughter, Debbie, was born in 1957, and then followed by Laurie. Debbie tragically died at the age of 8 from a sudden illness. Jami, Heath, and Leslie were born to complete the family in the next eight years.

Elizabeth lived unselfishly and was always kind to all who knew her. Throughout her life, she wore many hats. She took in 18 foster children and gave them a loving home over the years.  She worked with troubled teens on the east side of Madison by teaching them skills to improve their circumstances. She also created and taught a program called “charm school” to young women and would proudly recount how she could walk with a stack of books on the top of her head. Her fondest career was as a Certified Laboratory Technician at St. Mary’s Hospital, which spanned two decades, culminating in her managing the lab. She was an expert phlebotomist who had a knack for finding the most delicate of veins, and she truly loved all of her patients.  Later, she retired and hosted at Rosario’s and the Eastside Great Dane. She was known as an elegant hostess who brought class and grace to the restaurants. She said this kept her young and active, and she enjoyed the patrons so much.

Her biggest, favorite role was being a mother to her five children, and Nana to her 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This is a role from which she refused to retire. Throughout her life, she stayed involved with all the details of everyone’s lives, from the regular phone calls and visits to requiring everyone to call her when they reached any destination more than one hour away from their homes. Her kind, gentle ways made her family feel unconditionally loved, and there was nothing that any of them could not accomplish due to her fierce support.

As hard as it is not to have her with us, we know she has gone to a wonderful place where she can once again read a good book, dance with no pain, and drive her convertible with the top down. She will finally be reunited with her dear daughter, Debbie. She will host beautiful tea parties with Lettie, Roma, Hugie, and Kathy again. We will remember her beautiful smile, her warmth, her generosity, her elegance, and her love for life, family, and friends. She gave kindness and love every day of her life, and she made a difference in the lives of so many.

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Laurie Lemanski, Jami Straka, Heath (Kim) Straka and Leslie (Dan) Shapiro; her grandchildren, Sydnei (Dan) Tietz, Jordan (Nicole) Lemanski, Ali (Kevin Healy) Lemanski, Keaton Straka, Harrison Straka, Mia Straka, Ina Shapiro, Elan Shapiro, Daniel Schiff, Morgan Schiff and Matthew Schiff; her great-granddaughters, Blake, Berkeley and Briar Tietz; former spouse, James Straka; as well as nephews and nieces in the United States and England; and her beloved dog, Coco. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Daisy Prince; her daughter, Debra; her siblings, Ernest, Dora, Joan, Sylvia, Geoffrey and Mavis; and her best friend, Lettie Washburn.

We, the family, owe special gratitude to everyone at Drumlin Reserve in Cottage Grove. There she was loved and made new friends. Their compassionate care for her made it a perfect place to live for the last two years. In addition to Drumlin, the medical staff at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital and Hospice provided exceptional, delicate care to Elizabeth in her final days. We will never forget the staff’s thoughtful and gentle care of our favorite person.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo Buscaglia

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dane County Humane Society in her name.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025. A celebration of life will take place from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. A luncheon and fellowship will follow at THE EAST SIDE CLUB, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420