Elizabeth "Betty" Leif

Elizabeth (Betty) Jeanne Leif, 74, passed away July 21, 2019 with her beloved granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth Lay. She was preceded in death by her devoted and loving husband of 50 years, Jerry Leif, and survived by her son David and daughter-in-law Noel, and their children Hannah, Niklaus, and Eric; her son Scott and daughter-in-law Maureen and their daughters Gabrielle, Addison, and Camryn; and her daughter Megan (Lay), son-in-law, Brandon, and their children, Zach and Genna. Betty had a twin brother, Bob Loecher (Kathy), and two older sisters, Sister Lorraine Loecher and Sister Joanne Loecher. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Ruth and Peter Loecher. Born and raised in Austin, Minnesota, she graduated from Pacelli High School before going on to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree at the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, Minnesota. Betty was an accomplished Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian who worked to improve nutrition for long-term patients. She was the Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Sunrise Care Center and Elm Grove Congregational Home, among other facilities. For 50 years she was a contributing Board member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, formerly the American Dietetics Association (ADA), which recognized her for excellence in practice, and part of the gerontological nutrition practice group. She was also part of the Wisconsin Dieticians Association, the Consultant Dietitians in Health Care Facilities (CD-HCF), and International Food Service Executives Association. Betty was an author of several books including, Nutrition Management and Restorative Dining for Older Adults (2001). The accolades and awards for her contribution to nutrition for long-term care patients were enormous. Betty and Jerry had a love story for the ages. They met in first grade and married in 1968. They raised their two sons and daughter in Greendale, Wisconsin. “BettyandJerry” was always one word. They loved to travel and explore the world together. In June 2018, the family gathered in Lake Tahoe to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary together.   A faithful and devoted Catholic, Betty was an active member of St. Joan of Arc in Nashotah, Wisconsin, and could often be found hosting fellowship after mass. Betty was a tireless volunteer in the community, including Friends of Autism and their Annual Golf Outing for fifteen years. She also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club’s Camp Whitcomb-Mason in Hartland, Wisconsin. Betty was known for her extraordinary hospitality and cooking. She could put together a beautiful meal without notice and made sure everyone felt welcomed and at ease. Betty loved and devoted time to her nine grandkids that loved her to the moon. Betty and Sarah had a special bond and both would have given their life to save the other. Both will be missed forever. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 27, 2019 with visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial beginning at noon at St. Joan of Arc in Nashotah, Wisconsin, by Pastor, Rev. Michael Strachota and Father Gregory Leif, Betty’s brother-in-law. A reception will follow at Ironwood Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Betty’s honor are suggested to:  Camp Whitcomb-Mason W294 N8436 Camp Whitcomb Road Hartland, WI 530298 or  St. Joan of Arc 120 Nashotah Road Nashotah, WI 53058