Elisabeth Diaz Herrera

MADISON - Elisabeth Diaz Herrera [Bettina] passed away in her home following a long illness on Monday September 7, 2009. Bettina was born December 19, 1934 in Buenos Aries, Argentina to Ricardo and Elizabeth Diaz Herrera. Bettina led a varied and unusual life as a young woman in Buenos Aries and on the family ranch in Argentina. It was here, on the family ranch, that she developed a deep appreciation and love of animals and nature that continued throughout her life. She became an adept equestrian and learned to pilot bush planes as a young woman on the Pampas of Argentina. Bettina came to the United States in 1966 were she pursued graduate studies in macroeconomics and business at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and at Stanford University. She worked with women and minorities in small business development and consulting. Bettina was very active in and served as President of the League of Women Voters of Dane County. After growing up under repressive regimes in Argentina she truly valued the democratic process and freedom of speech she experienced here. She became a citizen of the United States in 1983. Elisabeth is survived by her husband: Don Kanel, her children: Elizabeth Kanel and Mike Kanel, her grandchildren: Tristan and Galen Waddington and Avery and William Kanel. Many friends and family in Argentina and the United States also survive Elisabeth. Her own reflections on her life included the following; “ For myself, living in this world has been very interesting, very demanding and very rewarding. I think that I would do it all again (given the advantage of this practice run!)”. We will all miss her. Please join us for a gathering of family and friends at OAKWOOD VILLAGE WEST, 6165 Mineral Point Rd., in the Oaks Community Room on Friday, October 2, 2009 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in celebration of Bettina's life. In lieu of flowers, Bettina requested donations to League of Women Voters of Dane County, or alternately to Oakwood Village West or Hospice Care.