Betty, age 86, died on Wednesday surrounded by her family at Girlie's Manor in Cross Plains. Betty was born the daughter of William & Elizabeth Heinrich. Betty and her younger brother, Richard, grew up in Oneida where their parents operated a grocery store. When Betty was in high school, the family moved to Two Rivers following the death of her father.
It was in Two Rivers that Betty met the love of her life, C. Joseph (CJ) Antonie. When CJ was stationed in Big Springs, TX prior to going overseas for World War II, Betty and her mother took the train to visit him. Rather than just a visit, CJ proposed marriage and Betty accepted. That train ride was the beginning of a long and fun filled 63 years of marriage. Betty returned to Two Rivers and CJ served in the Army Air Corps in North Africa. After the war, CJ commuted between Two Rivers and Madison to continue his college education.
Their first two children were born in Two Rivers. In 1948, the family moved to Badger Village, outside Sauk City, where CJ joined numerous other GI Bill students who were bused daily between the Village and the UW campus to complete their degrees. In 1952, Betty and her family moved to Madison into a home that CJ built across from Midvale School, on what was then the far west side of town.
Betty's other two children soon joined the family and Betty created a loving, supportive environment for her children to grow up in. When Betty's younger children were in high school, she began working at the Madison Metropolitan School District benefits office.
After her retirement, she was called back several times to provide long-term substitute office support for the district. Betty loved to sing, make music and travel. She was an alto in the Madison Diocesean choir and traveled to Ireland, England, Quebec and France with the choir. During one of those trips, she and CJ became friends with a couple in Ireland and shared visits to each others' homes.
Betty also played bells in the Queen of Peace Church bell choir. She and CJ made many annual trips to the West Coast to visit their Seattle and California grandchildren, to Alaska and Western U.S. National Parks and almost 40 fishing trips to Red Lake, Ontario. In addition, Betty took several trips with friends - she never met a trip she didn't like. She also cherished her many friends and neighbors. Betty loved the world and all of its splendor.
Betty was happiest in the company of others, sharing family time with her grandchildren, sitting around a holiday meal or making one of her "famous" desserts, especially her Easter Bunny cake.
She is survived by her two sons and their spouses, two daughters and their husbands, 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, C. Joseph; and brother, Richard. A Memorial service was held on Saturday at the Funeral Home, Middleton. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests a donation to Hospice Care of Dane County or Girlie's Manor of Cross Plains. The family wishes to thank the staff of Girlie's Manor, HospiceCare of Dane County and Cress Funeral Home for their care and support.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service assisted with arrangements.