Elizabeth Davies

Elizabeth Carol Davies died peacefully on January 11, 2011 at HospiceCare Inc., Fitchburg, Wisconsin at the age of 94. She will be missed by the many family members, colleagues, friends, and admirers who felt her support in their education and work Miss Davies committed her life to the growth and development of strong families in the State of Wisconsin. Educated at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Madison campuses, Elizabeth began her career as a high school home economics teacher in Luck, Wisconsin, in 1938. Her work in family development expanded when she joined the University of Wisconsin Extension, first in Iowa County and then Sauk County, as a home economist. In 1952, she joined the University Extension at the Sate level, as a district leader, developing adult and youth leaders for the rest of her life long career. Always seeking to improve her knowledge and understanding, Elizabeth earned a master's degree at Cornell University at Ithaca in 1956, with additional study at the University of Maryland and the Merrill Palmer Institute in Detroit, Michigan. Elizabeth's belief in the importance of families developed out of her love for her own family and community. Born on Dec. 6, 1916, and raised on the family farm, in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Carol', as she was known there, was the third child and oldest sister in a family of seven children. She deeply admired her parents, Daniel Webster Davies and Sara Ellen Evans Davies, their love for each other and their commitment to the Wild Rose community. An advocate of education like her parents, she championed her three brothers, Myron, Ken and Daniel Davies, and three sisters, Margaret, Doris and Jane, in their own educational journeys and as they raised their families. Aunt Betty' to 13 nieces and nephews and 28 grand nieces and grand nephews, Elizabeth kept the Davies and Evans family history alive. She documented the families' genealogies and their journey from Wales to Waushara Co., Wisconsin, compiling a photographic and written record. She remained involved in the Wild Rose community, supporting the library, the high school and the Caersalem Cemetery where her parents an relatives are buried and where she will rest. Prior to moving to Attic Angels in 1999, Elizabeth lived in the Hill Farm area, in Madison, WI, owning a home surrounded by her wildflower collection, with Nellie McCannon, a professor at the University of Wisconsin, for 38 years. She traveled extensively, documenting her adventures through her skills as a photographer. She was an active member of the Christ Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and elder. Over the last 10 years, Elizabeth enjoyed the company of many friends in the Attic Angels community, and remained involved in the UW-Madison School of Human Ecology, the Retired UW Extension Agents organization, and the UW-Madison Arboretum. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made the Attic Angels Memory Unit, 8301 Old Sauk Road, Middleton, WI 53562 or the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Hwy. Madison, WI 53711-3726. A Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on February 5, 2011 at Attic Angels, 8301 Old Sauk Road, Middleton, WI,  lead by Reverend Sandy Neurnberg. Cress Funeral Service is assisting the family.