Elizabeth J. "Betty" Trent

I am writing my own obituary so I can be assured that the people I have encountered and cared about will know how much they have meant to me in my journey through life.
I was born to two wonderful parents, Rosemary (Ridder) and Eugene Flaiz in Quincy, Illinois on May 20, 1937. We moved around a lot, as my father was transferred to various states. Living in Cheyenne, Wyoming was my favorite.
I loved the people I met in our little high school. There, life-long friendships were made. We moved to the Chicago area so all four of us "kids," Dick, me, Dotty and Nancy could have a college education while living at home. I graduated from Rosary University and began my teaching career at Northlake, IL. I met Terry at Union League Boy Club Camp where he was the camp director and I was the waterfront director during the Summer. We were married in 1962 and moved to Lincoln, IL where Tom, Linda and Beth were born.
The love of the Packers drew us to Fond du Lac, which quickly became home. Over the 50+ years we lived here, I made wonderful friends and became quickly involved as a volunteer in my church and community. I opened a pre-school and have continued to work with children all of my life. I taught adults at Moraine Park and Marian University. Fond du Lac was kind to me and I was awarded and recognized by many great organizations. It was a humbling experience. I don't want to list their names but want them to know that each one touched me, changed me and made me a better person.
My brother Dick and wife Mary Ann, my sister Dotty and husband Joe, as well as our beloved parents, deceased sister Nancy and our deceased daughter Beth made up our immediate family. My nieces and nephews, their children and Tom, Kim, Linda and the grandchildren Trent, Kaitlin, Ryan, Allison and Megan, have been the heart of my being. We lost my husband Terry in 2017.
Children have been the joy of my life. I have loved each and every one of them. To make a difference in just one life has been my hope. Friends have been my strength. When sadness touched our lives and our youngest child succumbed to alcoholism the support of church family and friends was meaningful. These gifts provided strength and much joy. May your lives be as blessed as mine and may we all meet again in God's arms.
Goodbye for now Betty
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 25th at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac at Noon. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.
Please do not send flowers. In lieu of flowers, Betty asked that donations be made to "Betty Trent's Happy Faces Scholarship Fund" through the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.
Betty's family thanks SSM Hospice at Home for their loving care of Betty, especially Katie and Sarah.
Online condolences can be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.