Elisabeth Wojciuk

Elisabeth Wojciuk, 49, passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2025, at her home in Beijing, China. Born on February 16, 1976 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Elisabeth—known to many as Beth—lived a life defined by passion, generosity, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

Beth graduated from Johnson Creek High School in 1994 and went on to study history at St. Ambrose University. In 2000, Beth started working as a paraprofessional at Verona High School working with students with learning differences. During this time, she came to the realization that teaching was her passion. Beth earned her teaching certificate in 2011 and spent the next three years between Edgerton and Verona High Schools. Outside of teaching, Beth spent her free time and summers as a respite caregiver for many of her students, as well as others in the community.

In 2014, Beth followed her heart and embarked on a journey that would shape the rest of her life; she accepted a Learning Support position in Thailand to pursue her love of teaching and travel. Beth began her international teaching career at Prem Tinsulanonda International School in Chiang Mai, where she dedicated five years, inspiring students with her vibrant spirit and deep commitment to education.

In 2020, Beth’s journey led her to the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), where she worked on the Learning Support team as the Head of Department. Beth flourished as a teacher and mentor. She made every student feel seen, heard, and valued with her trademark Monday/Friday memes and the candy bowl in her office. Beth gave herself wholeheartedly to each student whose life she touched, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and inspiration to students from around the world.

A joyful and beautiful soul, Beth was known for her full-of-life personality and iconic laughter that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Beth had the superpower of making any situation fun, and with her kindness and authenticity, she made lifelong friends wherever she journeyed.

Beth’s love for exploration extended beyond the classroom. She traveled the world not only through the hundreds of books she devoured, but also by plane, train, and automobile—embracing every opportunity to experience new cultures and places.

Beth was able to travel extensively during school breaks, filling up her passport. During summer breaks, Beth would return to the US to reconnect with her family and friends. A devoted fan of Wisconsin sports, she carried a piece of home with her wherever she went.

Beth was fun loving, outgoing and vivacious. She was selfless and put others first. Beth was an example to so many, and a shining light to all who knew her. When you think of Beth, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest. She will be missed more than any words could express, but she will be forever in our hearts till we meet again. May Beth's memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire lives around the world.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Natalie Biedenbender, Todd (Cathy) Wojciuk, Michelle (Bruce) Evans, Jennifer Allar, Jeff (Melissa) Wojciuk, nieces: Meghann (Nic) Lauersdorf, Lindsay (Jeremiah) Pfeiffer, Erynn Bavier, Engrid Wojciuk, and nephews: Adam Biedenbender, Charles (Madeline) Wojciuk, John Wojciuk, Marshall Wojciuk. Beth was also a great aunt to seven nieces and nephews: Abigail Lauersdorf, Gordon Lauersdorf, Violet Lauersdorf, Maggie Lauersdorf, Van Pfeiffer, Hale Wojciuk, and Curtis Pfeiffer.

Beth was preceded in death by her mother, Sharon Marshall, brother-in-law Todd Milbrath, and both of her grandparents.

A celebration of life will be held in Wisconsin on July 12, 2025; details will be shared with family and friends once finalized.

A special thank you to the administrative staff, teachers, students and friends of Western Academy Beijing for their compassion and support to ensure Beth will be remembered; as well as assisting our family through these difficult times.

In lieu of flowers or donations to the family, the Beth Wojciuk Memorial Fund (https://yoopay.cn/event/65658182) has been established to honor her life through the Western Academy of Beijing, supporting the Zhi Xing Bo Yue Center, as a perpetual honor to her passion for teaching, and her deep care for children of all backgrounds and abilities.