Betty CARRIVEAU

Betty Carriveau Sherman passed away on Oct. 10, 2005, at Grancare Nursing Home in Fond du Lac, Wis.She was born on June 7, 1908, in Oconto Falls, to the late Joseph and Mathilde Carriveau. She spent most of her long and rewarding life in Oconto County, where she was born.At age 17, she began her teaching career in a small one-room country school in the northwoods of Upper Michigan. She then returned to Oconto County and continued to teach in rural schools. Betty later attended Milwaukee State Teachers College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in upper elementary education. Twenty-four of her 38 years as an educator were spent teaching fourth grade in the Oconto Unified School System. Betty was an active member of many organizations for teachers, as well as those interested in history and writing.After her retirement from teaching in 1973, Betty turned to “reminiscent” writing. Many of her short stories and historical items were published. In 1981, Betty authored a book titled, Stories Papa Told, a collection of folk and fairy tales, which had been handed down in the Carriveau family since the 1600’s.The family tradition of storytelling was one of Betty’s favorite hobbies. An estimated 8,000 young people enjoyed her fascinating tales of enchantment, as well as talks on the history of Wisconsin.Her daughter, Constance Belongia of Milwaukee, and one daughter-in-law, Ardis Sherman of Fond du Lac, survive Betty. Her five grandchildren, Deborah (Phillip) Ferris, Michele (Robert) Buehler, Camille (John) Leisten, Kevin Sherman and James Dana Belongia, also feel the loss of their loving grandmother “Ziz.” She will be greatly missed by her great-grandchildren, David and Nicole Buehler and Marisa and Alaina Leisten. She is also survived by two sisters, Gene Carriveau and Irma Blazer.Preceding her in death were her parents; her precious son, Ronald Sherman; two sisters, Violette Larson and Dorothy Ardts; and two brothers, George Carriveau and Raymond Carriveau.