Elizabeth Green Bianchi, 101, of Waco, passed away Sunday April 4, 2021 at The Atrium of Bellmead.
Graveside Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 22, at Oakwood Cemetery with Pastor Carl Freeto officiating.
Elizabeth was born in Shamrock, Louisiana to Samuel Lafayette Green and Bessie Amee Green. She graduated from Haynesville, Louisiana High School and continued her education at LSU. Elizabeth graduated with a BS and MS degrees in 1941.
She married David Bianchi in 1942 and they lived in Dallas where David studied Voice at SMU. David served in WWII with the 42nd Infantry Division Army during the occupation of Germany and Austria. In 1950, they moved to Waco and joined Trinity Methodist Church where Elizabeth was very active with the church. She was involved in the City of Waco “Learn to Swim Program” that taught many Waco children to swim and was involved in the “Red Cross Life Saving Program”.
In 1959, Elizabeth began a rewarding career at Baylor University in the Health and Physical Education Department teaching as an Associate Professor of swimming, tennis and golf. After her retirement from Baylor, she volunteered her time with Meals on Wheels, Lake Shore United Methodist Church and found time to go to the Y three times a week for water aerobics well into her 90’s.
Elizabeth lost her husband, David in 1973; and a son, David Gordon in 1987.
She is survived by her son, Richard Barton Bianchi of Waco; grandchildren, Christian Bianchi and wife, Natalie, Laura Wise, Brian Bianchi and Robert Bianchi; and great-grandchildren, Phoebe Bianchi and Bianca Wise.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Judy Bergendahl and Marg Forbis with Comfort Keepers for their loving care and to Bluebonnet Hospice for their tender care and communication with the family.
Memorials in memory of Elizabeth may be directed to Meals on Wheels, Lake Shore United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice.
Place of Service: Oakwood Cemetery , 2124 S.5th St.; Waco, TX 76706
Print Obituary & Condolences
I was one of the lucky kids in Waco to have learned to swim from Mrs. Bianchi. She made a lasting impression on me and everyone in her classes. So very sorry for your loss.
I remember the help, compassion and caring of Ms. Bianchi as one of her students at Baylor University in the 60’s. I was a Phys. Ed/Health/Recreation Major . When other professors were making life as difficult as they could, she was always ready to give us a word of encouragement and a pat on the back. She practiced what she preached as you can see living to 101. Thank you .
Our family had the good fortune of knowing Elizabeth after we started attending Lake Shore United Methodist Church in 2003. We have been blessed by her sweet personality, examples of perseverance, and acceptance of life’s challenges with gratitude and equanimity. She was a steady and strong supporter of the CROP Walk. She always had a lovely smile every time we saw her, even when she had to be in the nursing home for various health issues. Her dedication to be a follower of Jesus Christ was truly an inspiration. We will sorely miss her and we send our deepest condolences to her family, especially to her son Richard.
I was one of her difficult swimming students. I was afraid of the water yet her patience and encouragement made me a swimmer. I majored in HPER at Baylor and graduated with th my MS in 1966. Mrs. B and I communicated regularly. The last card I received from her was dated 1/17/19 wherein she caught me up on the health difficulties she had been having for the last year and a half. She was a trooper til the end and I admired and respected her for over 40 years. She was a bright light in my life.