Elizabeth Paddock

Elizabeth (Betty) Paddock died December 1, 2014 just 23 days short of her 103rd birthday. She was born on December 24, 2011 in Traverse City, MI to Lena and Benjamin Church. She moved to Madison in 1929 and graduated from UW-Madison with degrees in Economics and Education. She worked for the Bureau of Public Roads as an economist until 1939. She met her husband, Robert, while working; they married in 1936 and shared their lives until his death in 1995. They raised their family in Madison, where Betty served as Girl Scout troop leader and Council President; head of the Nakoma Welfare League; President of Chapter AE, PEO; President of Westside Garden Club; Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church; and as an active member and leader of many other community organizations. With Bob she planted thousands of pine trees on their Adams County land; traveled to China, Africa, and Europe; and gave generously to the community. After his death she continued to travel and to serve the community. Their generosity is evident at the Arboretum, where they established a Children's Garden; at the UW School of Engineering where they endowed a scholarship; at Westminster Church; and at Oakwood Village, where Betty spent the last 18 years of her life and where she was awarded Volunteer of the Year in 2013. She taught her children and grandchildren to love gardening, the outdoors, and music, and to give freely to their communities. Betty was an intelligent, caring, creative and fun-loving woman who will be greatly missed. She is survived by children Jo (Ken) Walch, Alaska; Betsy Halpern, Oregon; Susan, Nevada; and Rob (Jill), Grafton WI; by nieces LeAnn Higgins and Marilee Wade of Milwaukee; and by 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband; by her sister, MaryAnn Wade, and brother, Richard Church; and by her beloved son-in-law, Andy Halpern. A memorial service is planned for January 11, 2015 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Madison. Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Church or to the Oakwood Foundation. The family thanks Oakwood staff for their loving care for her for 18 years, and especially in her last six months. "The song is ended, but the melody lingers on."