Elizabeth J. (Betty) Laizure, nee McManus, age 93, peacefully moved on to meet the Angels on Wednesday, August 27, 2014, at Dove West, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Betty was the youngest of ten children born May 28, 1921, to Daniel and Alice (Van Horn) McManus of the Town of Union. She attended St. Patrick's grade school and high school, then moved with family members to Milwaukee. She married Carroll Laizure on August 6, 1945, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they lived until the 1980's. Over the years, Betty worked in retail and service industries, enjoyed time with family and friends (especially cribbage, bingo, poker, a nice lunch or dinner at local restaurants, and a good piano bar). Betty was an avid Packer fan, having attended the first Super Bowl in Florida and holding season tickets at Lambeau Field. She and Carroll moved to Lake Wissota, then to Chippewa Falls, and finally to Eau Claire, where Carroll preceded her in death in 1992. Betty was involved with the Parish Council of Catholic Women at St. James the Greater Parish, the adult choir at St. James, Volunteer Auxiliary at Sacred Heart Hospital, Partners of Sacred Heart, and Triniteam. For a short time, she served as a volunteer and in a citizen advisory capacity at the Center of Care (now Dove West). Betty was the Resident of the Month in March of 2014, and was recently featured in a television commercial for Dove West. Betty lived for a time at St. Francis Apartments where she was instrumental in start-up of the Wednesday later afternoon "social activities". She moved to Oakwood Hills, where she would frequently beat men and women at billiards (using her personal cue), and thoroughly enjoyed regular cribbage matches. Then, in declining health, she chose to move to Dove West, where she was able to participate in many activities. Betty never lost her sense of style, her enjoyment of the people in her life, her lovely alto voice, or her excellent card sense. She was a very generous woman, sharing resources with her Church and several faith-based non-profit organizations. Betty believed in giving "time-treasure-talent" to the best of her ability, and discreetly. Most importantly, she never lost her Faith – as a caregiver herself, for her husband, friends and loved ones, and in later years as recipient of care from family and friends, Betty's Faith kept her strong. Her strong Faith has led her Home. Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carroll; step-son Cal; grandson, Troy; daughter-in-law, Betty; parents and parents-in-law; siblings; nephews and nieces (and several of their spouses and children); extended family and friends, especially Monsignor Edmund Klimek. Betty is survived by daughter-in-law, Nancy Evans; and granddaughter, Jackie Wyatt; step-son, Bob; and grandchildren, Kathy, Barbara and Bobby; nieces, Mary Alice Maloney, Kathleen (David) Waits, Mary McManus, and Carol McManus; nephews, Tom Robertson, Victor Robertson, Stanley (Veronica) BeBeau, John (Shirley) Snyder, Mike (Sue) McManus, Patrick (Connie) Bleske, and David McDonald; dear friends, Fran Backe and Marion Svoma; extended family and friends, including Father John Schultz. Betty's family appreciates the efforts of the staff on the 7th floor of Sacred Heart Hospital and most especially to her staff team at "home" (Dove West) for their kindness, care and consideration in her final days. Memorials may be directed to St. James the Greater Catholic Church or Sacred Heart Hospital. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 30, 2014, at 3 pm with visitation from 2 to 3 pm at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th Street, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Interment will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

St. Patrick's Cemetery 2000 Omaha Street Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Friday, August 29 2014 2:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, August 29 2014 3:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703