Christy Lynn Elliott, age 67, passed away surrounded by family on September 28th, 2021. She is survived by her two daughters, Shannon Reber (Jeremy), and Nicole Sheppard, and four grandchildren Arianna Reber, Nathaniel Sheppard, Andrew Sheppard, and Edmund Sheppard who made up the entirety of her world.

Chris was incredibly brave, strong and kind. With herself and two girls to take care of she developed an amazing work ethic; some might say "workaholic" but she loved working. She spent her career taking care of special needs children, disabled adults, the elderly and research animals. Her caretaking was kind and attentive and she truly CARED for everyone. She often worked multiple jobs because she loved it and enjoyed the financial freedom that working so hard provided. She never complained about work except when she had cancer and complained that she didn't like being so tired after working both her full and part-time jobs.

Chris often became friends with the people who passed through her life. For example, the carpenter who did a lot of work on her house became a lifelong friend and spiritual counselor. She provided home health care at a convent when the Mother Superior was sick. Mom became close friends with several of the sisters and often visited the convent even after the Mother Superior had died. Her hairstylist, massage therapist, and many co-workers also became friends.

Chris enjoyed treasure hunting and having yard sales, Badger games, going on adventures with Coreen, and traveling to visit friends and family. Mom loved shopping for antiques and collectibles and curated beautiful collections of teapots, Red Wing crocks, frogs, birds and antique furniture which she artfully displayed in her home. Mom was a very proud homeowner. She kept her house and yard immaculately clean and organized, and in good repair. She was always saving for the next home improvement project.

Chris was an excellent cook and baker. She made cooking for the whole family or a large party look easy and everything was always delicious and satisfying. We were all dependent on her to provide her decadent Apple Dumplings with Vanilla Ice Cream at regular intervals or else we would not be complete.

Mom had a really big heart and enjoyed the sense of purpose as she went out of her way to help someone in need, sometimes anonymously. She would also make up bags filled with granola bars, cashews, and cash to hand out to homeless people in Madison.

Chris was always willing to try something at least once and often found new pastimes with friends and family. However she was crystal clear if she liked something or would "never do that again!"

Chris's big heart was evident in how she cared for people in their times of need. Mom loyally cared for Billy when he got pancreatic cancer. She housed and cared for her sister Connie during Connie's last year of life. When her friend, Janice, was diagnosed with cancer she called Mom and asked her to walk with her through that time, and of course, Mom was right there for over a year until Janice passed away. She would show up if someone close to her was having a tough time.

I always knew my Mom loved me and that she was on my side. She would always listen to me and I could tell her anything. As a grandmother she was very natural with the grandkids. She seemed to know exactly how to accommodate the little ones. You could see in her face the deep joy and love she felt for each one. She cared "fiercely" for them and wished for their highest good, always.

Chris is preceded in death by her sister, Connie Perkins, and her husband, Billy Mitchell, (though never legal, it was a soul binding contract) who was her soulmate. She has missed him dearly since he passed in 2009, so it is a comfort knowing she's with him again.

Chris, Mom, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Friend: you will be greatly missed and always remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 23rd from 1pm-3pm at her house. 717 Franklin St, Sauk City, WI 53583. Appetizers and refreshments will be served.