Elizabeth Lucille “Betty” Manley completed her life’s journey March 20, 2021. She was born to the late Dr. Bernard C. and Estelle A. (Belick) Behrens in East Troy on Jan. 8, 1927.
She attended East Troy Schools and was a graduate of the Class of 1944.
Betty married her high school sweetheart, the late Thomas Manley, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in East Troy on Feb. 6, 1946. The couple resided at several locations, including Waukesha, welcoming the addition of four children, before moving to her former childhood home on Main Street in East Troy in 1957. Their family grew to include a total of 10 children – seven girls and three boys.
While her children were growing up, Betty volunteered with Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. She later volunteered at St. Peter’s Catholic Church and enjoyed helping out at the Clothing Center. She took classes in cake decorating, which led to many birthday cakes and even wedding cakes for some of her daughters.
She was employed as a waitress at Club Pointe and Linden Terrace Supper Club. Betty’s family and home were her pride and joy. Nothing pleased her more than watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participating in a wide variety of activities and the “fun and games” at the “Manley Mansion.”
She enjoyed the challenge of the daily crossword puzzle. Betty was an avid fan of the Wisconsin college and professional sports teams, celebrating victories and lamenting defeats.
Survivors include her children, Kathy (Ron) Siira, Jeff (Vicki), Colleen (Robert) Brazzell, Eileen (Tom) Kostopoulos, Maureen Frost, Lynn (Mike) Anderson, Laurie, Jim (Jean Stefancin), Darcy (Kim) Kiesow and Tim; 21 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
She was further preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Dick and Phyllis Behrens; son-in-law, Bob Frost; and four brothers-in-law.
Visitations was March 25 at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, Mukwonago. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, East Troy, for immediate family members only, because of COVID-19 concerns. Burial followed at St. Peter’s Cemetery in East Troy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betty’s name to “The Time is Now,” P.O. Box 1, Lake Geneva, WI 53147-0001.
