Elizabeth Mae Philipich

Betty, 81, passed away peacefully on 4/1/2024 with Tom by her side.  Betty spent her last four and a half years at Wealshire in Medina, where she received exceptional care from all the wonderful and dedicated caregivers. As her dementia progressed, the compassionate individuals at Brighton Hospice provided endless support to Betty and her family.

Elizabeth Mae Cerar was born in Eveleth, MN on September 27th,1942. As a child, Betty was known for her curious nature and compassionate heart. She graduated from Hibbing High School in 1960 and began her college studies at the Hibbing Junior College. Betty then received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of North Dakota in 1964, followed by a masters degree in education from the University of Minnesota. She married Tom Philipich on August 8th, 1964, and they raised two beautiful daughters together. Betty was a devoted 2nd grade teacher for many years in the Osseo School District. Even after retirement from her career as an educator, she found ways to be a teacher to everyone in her life, especially her grandchildren. It brought her so much joy to teach her grandchildren to bake, paint, and even make their own quilts.

Betty and Tom moved to Plymouth, MN in 2001 where Betty turned their house into a warm, welcoming home filled with exceptional home cooked meals and beautiful decorations. She thrived on hosting elaborate dinner parties for her family and friends. Her family particularly remembers her beautifully decorated dining table during the holidays and being served a different dessert each day while visiting her and Tom at their home in Green Valley, Arizona. Betty sewed various heartfelt items for family members including blankets, hanging quilts, and the most creative Halloween costumes. She also enjoyed spending time traveling, relaxing at the cabin, playing piano, and playing bridge.

She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Mae Cerar, brother Ronald Cerar, and nephew Brian Cerar. She is survived by Tom, her husband of 59 ½ years, daughters Mary (Chip) Van Meter and Drs. Jane (Ted) Peterson, grandchildren Emily, Riley, and Natalie Peterson, sister-in-law Marilyn Cerar, nephews, Joe (Jodi) Cerar and Jeff (Pam) Cerar, aunts Marge Bocchi, Dorothy Wolowiecki, and many cousins. Betty's legacy of love, kindness, and creativity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and she will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and community.

In lieu of flowers, Betty’s family requests donations to the employee fund at Wealshire of Medina. Checks or cash can be mailed to 4555 Mohawk Drive, Medina, MN 55340 or brought in person to the funeral service.  The funeral will take place on Saturday, April 13th at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd,  Wayzata with a 10 AM visitation, followed by 11 AM Mass, luncheon and family celebration of life.