Mary Elizabeth Field

Elizabeth was born on February 27, 1928 in Merced Falls, CA. She was the daughter of Frank C. Avila and Mary (Medeiros) Avila. Elizabeth earned her high school diploma from Hughson High School in Hughson, CA in 1945, and upon graduation, married John F. Field. She lived in Hickman, CA for all her adult life.

Elizabeth worked for many years as a librarian for the Nora Ballard Public Library in Waterford, CA. Subsequently, she was employed as the secretary for St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hughson, a position she held for twenty years. She was a charter member of the Young Ladies Institute (Y.L.I.), Antoinette #193 of the Hughson-Ceres area and was a past president of Y.L.I.

She valued books and was an avid and prolific reader. Elizabeth's loves also included traveling, especially to the American west and southwest. She enjoyed memorable trips with her family to the Azores where she saw the birthplaces of her immigrant parents and visited relatives living there. Elizabeth's most important destinations, however, were the homes of her family and friends, and she never missed an opportunity to share in any family gathering, holiday, or special event.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and nephew Bill Peterschick. She is survived by her sister, Genevieve Peterschick of Hughson, CA, brother Francis Avila and wife Patricia of Ceres, CA, brother Dan Avila and wife Myrna of Mt. Shasta, CA, and sister Vivian Chorley and husband Paul of Sacramento, CA. She leaves behind several cousins, and is survived by numerous nephews and nieces, who affectionately named and called her "Aunt Bessie" from the time they could speak. She was the aunt who hovered over and incessantly worried about her nephews and nieces when they visited Hickman, yet managed to provide unforgettable, idyllic memories of country life for all her young relatives. She was a devoted daughter, a loving sister, and a caring, good-hearted person to family and friends.

The family wishes to express its appreciation to the Casa de Modesto skilled nursing staff and to the Casa de Modesto Casitas' staff for the excellent care Elizabeth received there. Donations may be made to the Activities Department of Casa de Modesto, 1745 Eldena Way, Modesto, CA, 95350; or to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org), P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090-6011; or to a charity of choice.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 4pm - 8 pm with a Rosary at 7pm, at Lakewood Funeral Home in Hughson. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 10am at St. Anthony's Church in Hughson.