Elizabeth Barbian

Elizabeth Mary Madeline "Betty" (Weber) Barbian, age 94, who passed away in her sleep on January 1, 2017, was born December 4, 1922, and is survived by her children, Marilyn Joy Barbian of Madison, John Barbian of Madison, Thomas Barbian of Oregon, Alan Barbian (Paula) of Rhinelander, Robert Barbian (Judy) of McFarland, David Barbian (Marilyn) of Middleton, Timothy Barbian of Waunakee, and Elizabeth Barbian-Wood (Bryan) of Cambridge; her dear sister, Helen McDermid of Madison; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred Michael "Fritz" Barbian; son, Donald Barbian; her parents, John and Elizabeth Weber; baby sister, Martha Jean Weber; brother, Robert Weber; sister, Trudy Rockwell; and best friend, Carol Parrish.

Betty was born in Lodi, grew up working in the family bakery, and graduated from Lodi High School after which she attended Wisconsin State Teachers College-Milwaukee (now part of UW-Milwaukee). Betty loved writing. Her newspaper column, Through the Kitchen Door, was a regular feature in the Waunakee Tribune and the Lodi Enterprise for 11 years. The columns were later compiled into a book with the same title. Betty was an active member of the Waunakee Arts Council and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was very engaged in politics on all levels and active in the community, being particularly delighted by the Waunakee Village Park and instrumental in the campaign for the construction of the original Waunakee School District swimming pool.

Betty never knew a stranger. She was an extrovert who could and did, initiate conversations with anyone and everyone. She was interested in people and engaged in the world around her. She was an avid reader of non-fiction and a music lover who enjoyed playing the piano, gazebo concerts in the Village Park, drum and bugle corps performances, and musical theater. She took great pleasure in parades, working crossword puzzles, birdwatching from her front porch, and was addicted to chocolate.

Particular thanks to Tim Hineline (Jane), Betty's godson, who visited her regularly with his family. Those visits meant a lot to her. Special thanks as well to the staff and residents of Brookdale-Middleton (Sterling House) and Robert Olson, M.D., for the patient and attentive care shown to Betty when she needed it most.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at St John's Catholic Church, 209 South St Waunakee. Msgr James Gunn will officiate. Friends may call at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, from 4 to 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Betty, you were a stubborn force of nature. You loved your children fiercely and they will miss you like crazy!

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI