Elisabeth Wick, 95
August 11, 2006
Elisabeth "Peggy" (Wills) Wick, age 95, died
peacefully of old age on Friday, August 11, 2006, at her home in Needham,
surrounded by her favorite things and memories.
All her children and grandchildren were able to be
present on her last day and were able to say goodbye to her each in their
own way. She was alert and aware until near end, even taking the trouble to
give some last-minute advice to her children.
Born July 15, 1911, in Youngstown, Ohio, daughter of
Christian A. Wills and Ella L. Sersall, she attended public schools in
Youngstown, and went on to Wellesley College, graduating in 1932. She spent
her junior year in college in Paris, studying at the Sorbonne.
She married her high school sweetheart, Warner A.
Wick, who became a distinguished professor of philosophy and later dean of
students at the University of Chicago.
She spent most of her adult life in Chicago and raised
her three children there.
The family also had a summer house in Rockport and she
greatly treasured her time there. Recently, she spent her 95th birthday in
Rockport joined by many friends and neighbors.
She was active in community organizations her entire
adult life. When her children were in grade school she was an active member
of the Ray School PTA and veteran of numerous heroic paper drives. Later she
became a board member of the Chicago Child Care Society and president of
University of Chicago Service League. She was a volunteer at the Oriental
Institute (the museum of archeology at University of Chicago) for 35 years.
She was also a supporter or member of the University of Chicago Chamber
Music Society; the Music of the Baroque; the Midway Playreaders; the music,
French and Bazaar programs of the Service League; the Art Institute of
Chicago; the Lyric Opera; and especially the Chicago Symphony, which she
enjoyed greatly and to which she always traveled on public transportation
out of principle.
She was a founding member of the Rockport Beach Ladies
Club, an informal group.
She enjoyed her home, which was always beautiful. She
had many sewing projects and was a good cook - her cold roast beef and
cherry pie were world class - but in accordance with her character the
latter always had a slightly sharp taste. She would eat a lobster to the
last molecule. She was a great reader, often reading a whole book in one
night, as she liked to stay up late.
She is survived by her daughter, Laura of
Canton; her son James of Tunbridge, Vt.; a granddaughter, Susanne
of Portland, Ore.; and a grandson, Stephen of Boston.
Arrangements: A memorial service will be held
in the fall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the
following organizations, which would please her greatly: National
Organization of Women; Wellesley College; or Health Care Dimensions Hospice,
48 Woerd Ave. Suite 102, Waltham, MA 02453
