Dr. Elizabeth F. "Liz" Wywialowski

OREGON - Dr. Elizabeth Wywialowski died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her longtime partner BJ McCafferty and her family; Alicia Amato, JoEllen Amato, Tuck (Andy) and their three children, Sofie, Allie and Danny Tuck. She is also closely survived by her niece Gloria and her husband Brian Easton who spent the last week of Liz’s life helping with her care; and her nephew David Wywialowski and his partner Don Sheber. Liz was from a large family and she was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna (Jacher) Wywialowski, and eight siblings. She is survived by eight additional siblings; many nieces and nephews; colleagues and friends.

Liz was born in Armstrong Creek Wis., where she attended the Goodman Armstrong Creek Consolidated Schools. She was a member of the St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Armstrong Creek. She received her associate degree in nursing from Luther Hospital School of Nursing in Eau Claire, Wis. Then she completed her Bachelor of Science of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1967. She later attended the University of Rochester School of Nursing in New York and received her master’s degree in clinical nursing in 1974. While she was employed by the state of New York she developed and implemented programs to improve the living environment (Milieu Therapy) for the institutionalized mentally ill community.  

After moving back to Wisconsin, she taught at Lakeshore Technical College as a Clinical Nurse Instructor and Department Chair for the ADN program. During that time, she received her Doctor of Education Degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. While teaching she also authored the first of three editions of her book on Managing Client Care published by Mosby Press. Liz was employed by the Clement J Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center where she developed a protocol for skin integrity to prevent skin breakdown for para and quadriplegic veterans. Veterans from other VA Hospitals were referred to and were treated successfully in the Milwaukee VA medical facility. Liz completed her career in nursing at the University of Wisconsin, Madison Hospital as EdD, CRRN, RN, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Orthopedics/Neurosurgery/and Rehab Nursing.

Liz found retirement empty and began a career in IT by going to MATC and receiving an Associate Degree as a Network Specialist. Further, attending Herzing College she achieved MC P+I/MCSE(N.T.4.0) from Microsoft and A+ Certification from Comp TIA. She worked as a Network Specialist for Famous Footware, a Customer Support Analyst with Telephone and Data Systems, and as a Computer Technician at the Belleville School District. In 2006 to 2007 she was an Intern with the State Department of Administration. Liz also owned a home repair and maintenance business called Paradigm P.C. LLC for several years. She was an active member of DaneNet and participated in the Lilith Fair in 2003 where she assisted community children in “Build Your own Computer” programs. Liz also taught a basic computer course in the summer for the Armstrong Creek (Forest County) Adult Education Program. She was dedicated to her professions and a tireless advocate for continued education.

Liz was a naturalist at heart. Enjoyed birding and all expressions of nature on the family farm. Liz worked determinately to achieve State and National Historical recognition for the Wywialowski Homestead as a Crossover House. And placed the property she now calls Northern Grace with Northwoods Land Preservation on Dec. 5, 2014, which is now protected forever. Liz loved music, played the accordion, trumpet, banjo and guitar. She sang in many choirs throughout her lifetime. We will miss listening to her stories, hearing her laughter and will remember her deep love of Life.

There is not a funeral service or celebration of life scheduled. Any who wish to send a memorial are encouraged to recognize the Aldo Leopold Foundation, St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Armstrong Creek, Wis., for a Mass or your own affiliation/organization dear to your heart.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Farewell and Blessings, Dear Liz.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park Street
(608) 835-3515