Elizabeth M Schield

Elizabeth Maureen "Betty" Schield, 91, formerly of Neillsville, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011 in North Bay Hospital in Port Richey, Fla., with her husband by her side. Services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012 at St Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville, with a visitation starting at noon, followed by a funeral Mass and celebration of her life at 1 p.m.Betty was born on Feb. 1, 1920 in Milwaukee, the second oldest of six children of Charles and Bridget McCorry. While working as a secretary at Marquette University, she met her husband of 69 years, Dr. Carroll Schield. Together they raised a family of seven children in Neillsville, where Dr. Schield practiced dentistry from 1946 until 1984. They moved to Florida in the mid-1980s, returning each summer to the family cottage in Hatfield, Wis., until recently when travel became too difficult for them. They have been residents of the Regency Independent Living facility in Port Richey, Fla., for the past six years.Betty was a long-time parishioner of St Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville, where she volunteered for many tasks, including 16 years as a high school Catholic education teacher. She treasured her children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren, always looking forward to family gatherings at the cottage, traveling to her children's homes in various states, and visits in Florida from family. She was an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge, demonstrated by her desire to improve her computer skills up until her passing.She is survived by her husband, Carroll; children, Patricia (Jay) Werth of Santa Rosa, Calif., Dr. Dan (Roberta) Schield of Neillsville, Wendy Smail of Boulder, Colo., Joseph Schield of Petaluma, Calif., Mary Alice Schield of Sonoma, Calif., Jim (Shawn) Schield of Arlington, Va., and David (Rebecca) Schield of Middleton; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends and acquaintances. Her devotion, kind and generous heart, determination and love for others are traits we all can admire and remember.A memorial fund has been established in her name with the American Diabetes Association.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456