Visitation

Friday, January 5th, from 10am-12pm at St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Church

(1260 Church St. Elm Grove, WI 53122)

Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, January 5th, beginning at 12pm at St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Church

(1260 Church St. Elm Grove, WI 53122)

In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Jane Schreck

(née Zinn)

Elizabeth Jane Zinn, known to all as Betsy, passed away on December 31, 2023, at the age of 88 at home beside her loving family in Elm Grove, WI. Born on May 8, 1935, she lived a life filled with love, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to her family.

Preceded in death by her mother, Lois Zinn, her father William Zinn and her sisters, Joanne Hartman, Mary Schaber and her brothers William and James, and her grandson Bradley Daniel.

Betsy is survived by her brother David (Joyce), her seven devoted children: Greg, Dan, Laurie, Bryan (Liz), Sally (Jason), Holly (Frank), and Steve (Sonya). She was a source of inspiration, guidance, and boundless love and acceptance to each of them, instilling values that will continue to resonate through generations.

Betsy was born in Milwaukee, WI, grew up in Elm Grove and attended St. Mary’s grade school and then went to Pius XI Catholic High School.  Two years later her family moved to Reno, Nevada and she finished high school in Bishop Manogue’s 1^st graduating class of 1953.  Her favorite studies that she excelled in were math, English and of course, spelling.  Before Betsy moved to Reno she met Bruce Schreck. They met at a party on their shared birthdays, May 8^th.  He visited her many times and eventually got a job to be close to her.  Bruce convinced her to move back to Milwaukee after graduation, two years later they married and started a family. While raising their seven children they built a family cottage in northern Wisconsin. Decades at the cottage, Betsy enjoyed snowmobiling, boating and floating in the lake.  She retired from Alverno College after 27 years in the data processing department.

Later in life Betsy met her beloved Larry through an on line “chat”.  His love and devotion of his “sweet pea” was endearing.  She became a snowbird spending a lot of winters in CA. Their adventures took them around the globe and a few of her favorites were New Zealand’s Christ Church, cruising through the Panama Canal and the South Pacific Islands.

Her legacy extends to her 17 grandchildren, who were cherished recipients of her affectionate care and wisdom “make sure they learn proper grammar, it’s important” she would say. Betsy was also blessed with 25 great-grandchildren, each a testament to the enduring love and connection she fostered within her family.

Betsy was more than a mother and grandmother; she was the heart of her family, a beacon of strength, and a source of comfort during times of joy and hardships. Her warmth, kindness, and generosity created a home where love flourished, and countless memories were made.

Beyond her role as a dedicated matriarch, Betsy was an individual of grace, resilience, and compassion. Her unconditional love reached far beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of many friends.  She approached life with a gentle spirit and an unwavering belief in God and his power of love, understanding and acceptance.

As we mourn the loss of Betsy, let us also celebrate the rich tapestry of her life, and may she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of those who hold her memory so dear.

Visitation will be at St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Church, 1260 Church Street,  Elm Grove, WI 53122. Friday, January 5^th, 2024 @ 10am – 12pm followed by a Catholic Mass starting at 12pm.

The family would like to thank Legacy Hospice for their kindness, compassion and professionalism.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org)