Betty J. (Sauer) Shafranski

Oct 2, 1933 – Oct 29, 2021

Betty Jean (Sauer) Shafranski, who spent virtually her entire life in her beloved Whitefish Bay, passed away peacefully October 29^th  in Houston, TX.

Known as “Mrs. S“  to several generations of students at (then) Henry Clay Elementary and WFB High School athletics, Betty loved being a part of the fabric of Whitefish Bay schools and families.

Betty delighted in sharing the special community that is Whitefish Bay.  Her daughters did as well, making sure their spouses and children understood the charms of the area.  It grew to a veritable sought-after destination as Betty’s daughters introduced friends from around the US to Pandl’s of Whitefish Bay, Usingers, Solly’s and Heinemann’s.

Her love of all things Wisconsin, included the magical area of Door County, especially Ephraim, where she worked during high school summer vacations.  Cedar Lake was another favorite with her love of the water. And as with many Wisconsinites, her devotion to the Green Bay Packers spanned decades, despite good or those not-so-good seasons.

Her other enduring affection – bridge or cards of any type. She loved and participated in regular card games and was thrilled by winning even more!

Predeceased by her beloved parents, Beulah Henry and Fred A. Sauer, both of Whitefish Bay, Betty is survived by both of her daughters, Patricia/Patty (Mike) and Nancy (Mark) and her grandchildren Matthew and Theresa, along with her brother Don and his wife Mimi, all of Texas.  Other survivors include her niece and nephew, A. John Frederick Sauer (Barbara) and Amy Elizabeth Evans Sauer Miclea (Matt) and their children, as well as her Henry cousins:  John (Linda); James/Jim (Gretchen) and Clayton Paul/C.P. (Stephanie).

Following a Celebration of Life in Houston, Betty’s remains will be interred at Wisconsin Memorial Cemetery, with those of her parents.

The family is grateful for the wonderful staff at Brookdale Memorial Oaks and Harbor Hospice, along with Donna Composto during these past 22 months. Thank you all.

Nancy and Patty also wish to thank the many people in the WFB education community that encouraged Betty’s longtime participation:  WFB Athletic Directors the (late) Nick Kuehl; the (late)  Richard VandenAvond and Jeff Thielke along with his wife Mary; plus countless other Henry Clay and WFB administrators/staff/teachers too numerous to mention. A special mention to Bernadine Queener and Madeleine Caldwell, two of her greatest friends and Susan (Christenson) Beatty of Waterbury, Connecticut, a friend since high school.

Your kindness and community brought her great joy.