Elizabeth Jeanette Fischer

Elizabeth Fischer died, as she lived, with courage, grace and dignity Wednesday morning, March 3, 2010. Betty, as she was called from birth, entered this world Feb. 20, 1921. She was the adored only child of Ernst and Alta Stromback. Although her childhood was during the Great Depression, her life was full of riches, culturally, academically, socially and personally, if not monetarily. She was born and raised in Chicago, a city she loved and considered home for her entire lifetime. She spent her summers in Minnesota with her father's family, Swedish immigrants who came to America seeking the opportunity that only this county could offer. Betty spent every summer of her life in her grandmother's house up until five years ago, when her health precluded travel. It is something her daughter Mary hopes to continue. Betty's life changed abruptly at the age of 14 when her mother died unexpectedly. Betty was sent to Frances Shimer School, a boarding school for girls in Mount Carroll, Ill. Those high school and junior college days were some of her happiest. She made lifelong friendships, some of which continue today. Following a trip to New York with her Shimer roommate, Betty decided to become a Rockette, an idea that her father vetoed. So instead of the bright lights of Radio City Music Hall, she became a nurse, graduating from St. Xavier School of Nursing in 1944. She was always a nurse. While in nurse's training, she met her future husband, Dr. O.G. Fischer, and they married in 1945. Their son Dick was born in 1946. In 1948, they relocated to Holbrook, Ariz., where Mary was born. Moving from urban Illinois to rural Arizona was shocking in many ways, but Betty, always the trooper, accommodated. They then moved to Casa Grande, Ariz. for a short period and then set off on a new adventure to a booming community in northwest New Mexico - Farmington. Betty made a home for her family. She loved to entertain, relished conversation, cooking gourmet meals and socializing with friends. She insisted that her children be well brought up, always stressing the importance of culture, good manners and the pursuit of intellectual agility. Her love of her family was her primary focus in life and they, in turn, loved her more. Betty was socially concerned about the plight of the helpless. She donated to more than 50 charities and organizations, feeling it was her obligation to help. Her life had meaning and it had purpose. While there was tragedy, there was more triumph. There was laughter and there was love. Her life was well lived. She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband in 1991; and by her son in 1996. She is survived by her daughter, Mary of Farmington. She also is survived by countless friends and relatives scattered across the country. She also is survived by her beloved pets, all 10 of them. Her life was a testament to a kinder, gentler world made so much better by her presence. We miss her already. Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute St. Farmington, New Mexico 87401 (505) 325-8688