L. Lucille "Bitsy" Wachs slipped peacefully into the patiently waiting arms of her husband, Ray, and eternal life on August 27, 2012, surrounded by her three adoring children. Lucille was born on July 15, 1916, in Minot, ND, to Alfred Israels and Mabel Connors Israels. She and her family lived in North Dakota for five years before they moved to Webster, WI. After graduating from Webster High School, Lucille attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Superior. Lucille then formally began her lifelong vocation as a teacher. She taught school in Randolph, WI, and later in Eau Claire, WI, where she met Ray Wachs. They were married on February 1, 1942, in St. Louis, MO. Lucille and Ray lived briefly in Eau Claire, then moved to Milwaukee when Ray entered the Army. Lucille did her part for the war effort, working in the office of a shell manufacturing plant, and later in the PX at Fort Campbell, KY. When Ray's movements with the Army made living together quite difficult, Lucille returned to Webster, and taught at Siren High School. After the war, Lucille and Ray settled permanently in Eau Claire. Lucille taught kindergarten for many years in Chippewa Falls, receiving several teaching awards. As a teacher, Lucille's greatest reward was seeing her students grow into happy and well educated adults. Many of Lucille's students reconnected with her after graduating and continue to be her friends. Lucille was a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church of Eau Claire, where she taught Sunday school for many years and participated in several church societies. Lucille was an avid gardener, enjoyed feeding and watching birds, and was a strong advocate for wildlife and the environment. She and Ray enjoyed camping near the lake in Sawyer County, and traveled the country in their motor home from sea to sea, and into Canada and Mexico. Lucille was a lifelong Democrat. She was intricately involved in the Gaylord Nelson for Governor, Gaylord Nelson for Senate and William Proxmire for Senate Campaigns, and was an advocate for many progressive causes. Lucille is survived by her children, Rochelle Wachs Arnold (Richard Arnold), Pamela Wachs-Baily (Dr. William Baily), and Dana Wachs (Beverly Wickstrom) all of Eau Claire; her grandchildren, Michelle (Joe) Meier, Vanessa Hotchkiss, Collin Baily, and Jordan, Jessica and Elliott Wachs; her great-grandchildren Noah and Sophia Hotchkiss and Lesleigh Ann Baily; her niece, Cindy Edwards; and many other relatives and friends. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother, Paul Edwards; and her sister-in-law, Gracia Edwards. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 31, 2012, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Avenue, Eau Claire. A private family service will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2012, with Rev. Jeanny House officiating. Interment will be at Rest Haven Cemetery, Town of Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Eau Claire County Humane Association, 3900 Old Town Hall Road, Eau Claire, WI, 54701.

Service Information

Cemetery

Rest Haven Cemetery 5750 Old Town Hall Road Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Friday, August 31 2012 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703