Elizabeth Prosser

Elizabeth Averell Prosser, age 97, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2009. Elizabeth was born in Chicago on October 16, 1911, daughter of the late Harry C. and Elizabeth A. (Buell) Patterson. She was graduated from Ferry Hall, a finishing school for young women in Lake Forest, Illinois. At Ferry Hall, she received training in cultural and social activities that would serve her well in life. At the tender age of eleven, she suffered the death of her father. From that time she served as a companion and later as a caregiver to her mother, Elizabeth. In the early 1930s she met David T. Prosser, a handsome young man in her church whom she would marry on September 16, 1939. During World War II, David was employed in purchasing by Automatic Transportation Company, a Chicago manufacturer heavily involved in the war effort. In 1942, the couple welcomed their first son, David T. Prosser, Jr. In 1948, the family relocated to Appleton. In 1955, David Sr. founded Appleton Packing and Gasket Co. In 1956, a second son, Hugh Prosser, was born. Appleton Packing and Gasket exists today on Appleton's northeast side under Hugh's leadership. For many years, Elizabeth was a member of the company's board of directors.

Elizabeth was a woman of diverse interests who enjoyed following the winter Olympics, especially ice skating and hockey. She was an avid hockey fan and attended hockey games in Green Bay well into her 90s. Perhaps her love of sports stemmed from her personal desire to be physically fit — she enjoyed walking and exercise. She also loved dogs, especially the larger breeds. Many friends and neighbors hold fond memories of her walking her dogs throughout the neighborhood.

A patron of the arts, Elizabeth was a life member of the Art Institute of Chicago. She enjoyed musical performances of all kinds, especially the Fox Valley Symphony, at Lawrence University and other venues. She and David loved dancing as members of the Town Club and the Manhattan Club.

Surely, all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance knew Elizabeth to be a true lady. A woman who had an honest love for family, friends, and neighbors, and enjoyed entertaining in her home, she was a gracious hostess and a loyal friend.

Elizabeth was a longtime member of Memorial Presbyterian Church in Appleton. She was confident of her relationship with God, and possessed a strong moral background and a firm foundation of faith. She loved the music of the church, and until recently attended church regularly. Elizabeth didn't rest her head at night without taking the time to absorb an inspirational reading.

Central to her life was the family's vacation property on Lac Vieux Desert in Vilas County. In 1894, the family was fortunate to acquire acreage near the headwaters of the Wisconsin River. Elizabeth assisted with the necessary maintenance duties at the cottage and for countless years managed the households at both the vacation property and the family home in Appleton. She enjoyed time spent at the lake, watching boats and ducks on the water and eagles in the sky, and visiting with family and friends. Vilas County was her heaven on earth.

She is survived by her two sons: Justice David T. Prosser, Jr., of Madison and Hugh Prosser and his fiancée Kelly Grapentine of Appleton; two grandsons: Ian Prosser and Barry Prosser of Appleton; and a great-granddaughter: Anna Lucille Pomrening. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews: Averell (Al) Olson of Dallas, Texas, and family; Rev. Thomas (Lin) Patterson of Ogdensburg, New York, and family; Jean (David) Harris of Knollwood, Illinois, and family; the family of the late Harry E. Patterson, Jr. (Jane Deuble). She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband David T. Prosser in 1985, brothers Buell A. (Ruth) Patterson, Harry E. (Madamma) Patterson, and Ben S. (Georgia) Patterson; a sister-in-law Helen (Ralph) Bowersox; a niece Ann (Wolcott) Street, and a nephew Harry E. Patterson, Jr.

A memorial service for Betty will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 803 E. College Avenue in Appleton, with Rev. Dr. Charles Valenti-Hein officiating. Friends may call at the church on Saturday, February 21 from 1:00 PM until the hour of the service.

Elizabeth Prosser was a wonderful woman who was supportive in all ways and at all times of her parents, her husband, her sons, and to anyone whose life she entered. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.