Betty Caroline Wiewel, 94, of Quincy, IL died at 10:35pm, Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. She was born on August 31, 1926 in a farmhouse near Hannibal, MO, the daughter of Fred and Olive (Quintemeyer) Schwartz. Betty married Gerald A. “Tony” Wiewel on May 22, 1948 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hannibal, MO. They were married for 43 years until Tony’s death, February 25, 1994.

Betty is survived by her children: Tish (Tom) Suk, of Evanston, IL, Brad (Cindy) Wiewel, of Austin, TX, and Mark Wiewel of Quincy. A sister Rosemary (Schwartz) Whiston, River Forest, IL, and several nieces and nephews.

She was known and loved by her grandchildren as Omi: Jeshua (Jessica) Suk, Gabriel (Kim) Suk, Selah (Ignacio) Bustamante, Caroline Wiewel, Christa Suk, Anthony Wiewel, Samuel Wiewel, Andrew Wiewel, Stephanie (Andy) Reynolds, Matthew (Addie) Wiewel, Zachary Wiewel, and Mark Patrick Wiewel.
Her Great Grandchildren loved to take the train to visit her and include: Aaliyah, Judah, Lydia, Camila, Nayshawn, Marshawn, Tommy, Evan, Irene, Julian, and her namesake, Betty.

In addition to her husband Tony, Betty was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Ilene (Neil) Megown, two brothers J. Fred (Agnes) Schwartz and Marvin Schwartz in infancy, a nephew Brent Whiston, a daughter-in-law Karen J. Wiewel, and a brother-in-law: Daniel Whiston.

Mrs. Wiewel graduated from the one room country schoolhouse, Eagle Slough Grade School, and later, Hull High School, and St. Mary Hospital School of Nursing and earned Registered Nurse. She was also a member of the nursing cadet program. She also attended classes at John Wood Community College and was charter member of Quincy University’s Polis (Learning in Retirement) Program.

Betty was employed at St. Mary Hospital from 1946-1966 in the Obstetrics Department and from 1966-1971 was coordinator and staff facilitator in the Psychiatric Unit. She called politics her hobby and decided to run for political office 1971 – 1972 as a Republican for Adams County Circuit Clerk. Her campaign slogan was “Vote Well – Vote Wiewel”. Even though she didn’t win, she made many new friends and gained a wealth of knowledge from the experience.

Always an innovator, from 1973 to 1976 she was Coordinator and Administrator of the new Special Care Unit (Alzheimer) Division of Good Samaritan Home. She suffered a work-related accident in 1976 that ended her ability to stand for long periods thus ending her nursing career. In 1978 she became the Executive Director of the Quincy YWCA until her retirement in 1991.

In retirement she stayed active by volunteering, taking classes at QU, playing bridge, collecting glass bells, and reading. Betty was a proud Quincyan and a strong supporter of the arts.

Betty’s faith was the rock of her life. Betty helped organize Great River Teens Encounter Christ (TEC). – a Christ centered weekend for High School Juniors and Seniors and young adults. TEC has help bring thousands of teenagers and young adults closer to Christ. The first TEC weekend was held in Quincy in 1971 and since then there have been 328 TEC weekends. GRTEC also started TEC programs in other cities in Illinois and Missouri.

Betty and her husband Tony were part of the team that helped organize the 1st Cursillo (3-day short course in Christianity for adults) weekend in Quincy in 1974. In the 46 years since then, there have been 347 Cursillo weekends. Betty was Rectora (Director) of Quincy Cursillo #14. Her other volunteer service includes serving as National Bereavement Team Member for “Joyful Again Widowed Ministry, and grief and bereavement volunteer for Blessing Hospice for over 20 years.

In 2002, she was selected as the 50th recipient of the “Golden Deeds Award” sponsored by the Quincy Exchange Club for her humanitarian efforts. The selection committee received several letters from people in the community who had benefited from Betty’s acts of service. She was also recipient of the “7 Who Care” Award for Outstanding Community Service, sponsored by KHQA-TV.

Betty was a member of the Church of St. Peter in Quincy, she was an Associate Member of School Sisters of Notre Dame, past president of the Quincy Chapter of Church Women United, past president Women’s City Club, past president of Catholic Boys High School Parents and Friends Association, former board member of Quanada and Quincy Society of Fine Arts. She was also a writer and member of Quincy Writer’s Guild, and a Charter Member of National Association of YWCA Executive Directors.

One of her greatest joys was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She always played an active role in their lives and their interests and activities.

Betty’s care roster and daily prayer list was long. She was always “looking after” someone, sending a card, dropping off food or a little gift. Betty’s influenced and guidance in her personal “one person at a time” style touched many. And in doing so she made the world a better place for us all because she set a standard of how to regard all people which was passed to the next generations.

As one granddaughter said about her grandmother: “She was my role model because she was a deeply religious person who tried to help anyone and me whenever we needed it. She was like a best friend to me because she picked me up and took me places whenever I needed something, no matter if she was busy or not, she always found time to help me. She taught me manners, so I wouldn’t embarrass myself or my family. She supported me and helped me do whatever I needed to do to achieve the goal I wanted to accomplish. She always came to all my concerts to support me. This was what my grandma meant to me.”

As we mourn the loss of our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother we know that the following scripture verse that always hung in her kitchen and was our family scripture and now has been passed by us to our children will comfort us in our grief: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13.

Memorials are suggested to Great River Teens Encounter Christ in the name of Betty C. Wiewel or donor’s choice. Please mail to 1523 Wilmar Drive, Quincy, IL 62301. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no visitation. A private funeral service is planned followed by interment in Calvary Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois. A memorial service for Betty’s larger family and friends will be held at a later date. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.