Elizabeth Jean Wilson

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Elizabeth Jean Wilson. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Elizabeth was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Elizabeth was born on home in Laguna Beach, California. She was the daughter of Glen and Mary Conley. Elizabeth was raised in Riverside, California. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Elizabeth was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Elizabeth's personality throughout her life.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Elizabeth was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Elizabeth was always tactful. One thing Elizabeth will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Elizabeth had a number of interests and was an active child. Elizabeth took part in tap dance.

For Elizabeth, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Elizabeth was also adept at details. Elizabeth was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from St. Francis De Sales in 1943. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Drama and Chorale. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Monsignor Rice. Starring in school play "Romeo and Juliet" narrator.

There was one thing that all of Elizabeth's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Elizabeth was such a popular person throughout her life. But Elizabeth was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Elizabeth was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Elizabeth was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Elizabeth was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Elizabeth was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Elizabeth made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Ruthie Reedy, JVee Butler, Mary Stillwell, Virginia Jacob, Norma Cassini, Pat Duffy, Dusty Johnson, Betty Schmitt. Later in life, she became friends with Gordon and Rita Merrill, Bill and Diane Jehue, Frank and Elida Hernandez, Pat Mc Elwain, Bill and Diane Lovell, Jack and Cheryl Thompson.

Elizabeth was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Elizabeth cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On December 24, 1943 Elizabeth married Friend Benjamin Wilson at Francis of Assisi Church of Riverside, California. Compassionate and devoted, Elizabeth worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Elizabeth and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Elizabeth was blessed with five children, three sons, David, Alan and Richard and two daughters, Mary and Karen. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Michael, Justin, Nicole, Derek, Sarah, Taylor, Chantel and Brian. Elizabeth was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Elizabeth was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Elizabeth would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Elizabeth, and she expected the same from those around her. Elizabeth was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Elizabeth was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Elizabeth handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was retail cosmetics. She was employed for 23 years by May Co Dept Store. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Elizabeth enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were dancing, picture taking and home decorating.

Elizabeth was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Elizabeth was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Elizabeth played tap dance and chorale. Elizabeth also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were parades and musicals.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Elizabeth to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Elizabeth did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Elizabeth was a member of the Riverside Chapter of USO and Riverside Junior Chamber of Commerce. Throughout her later years, Elizabeth was an active member of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce and President of Women's Auxiliary Club Riverside.

Elizabeth was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she was active and highly valued by those in her community, serving on committees for the Riverside Womens Auxiliary Club.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Elizabeth well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St. Francis De Sales in Riverside for 30 years and St. Louise Catholic Church for 47 years. During that time, she was St. Louis Carnival Fund raiser, volunteer. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

A generous and compassionate woman, Elizabeth accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Elizabeth was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Riverside Womens Club Volunteer of the Year 1955.

Not only did Elizabeth enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Disney World in Florida, 1976 Montreal Olympics and annual beach house in Balboa Beach, California.

Elizabeth was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Tai, a German Shepherd mix dog, who was a best friend for 8 years. Her family was rounded out by her dogs Ginger, Sadie, Maddie and cats Shadow, Fuzzy and Gemini.

Since it was easy for Elizabeth to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Elizabeth was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1994. In retirement, she found new pleasure in family gatherings and visiting grandkids and great-grandkids. Even in retirement, Elizabeth stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Elizabeth passed away on June 26, 2012 at Citrus Valley Hospice in Covina, California. She is survived by her children David, Mary, Karen, Alan and Richard, grandchildren Michael, Justin, Nicole, Sarah, Derek, Taylor, Chantel and Brian, great-grandchildren Jordan, Aiden, Abigail, Samantha, Devun, Toren, Jacob, Jace and Kash. Services were held at Custer Christiansen Chapel. Elizabeth was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery with her husband Friend Benjamin Wilson and her son Christopher James Wilson.

Elizabeth was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Elizabeth was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Elizabeth Jean Wilson.