Liz passed away with family by her side on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Strathmere Lodge, Strathroy at the age of 72, after a 200-day battle with cancer. Treasured mother of her son Garrett (Tonya). Dear sister and sister-in-law of Colin (Jo Ann), Barbara (Garry), and Tracy (Marcie). Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Colin and Barbara Zavitz, and her brother Jack (survived by Janet).
Liz was a devoted educator who spent many years teaching at M.B. McEachran Elementary School in Lambeth. She had a deep love of theatre, writing, reading, and gardening, and found great joy in the companionship of her cherished pets. She will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and the lasting impact she had on her students, family, and friends.
Visitation will be held at Melville United Church, 24159 Nairn Rd RR 1, Ilderton (Ivan), on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 6 – 8 PM. Liz’s celebration of life service will be held on Friday, March 27th at 11 AM. Interment Poplar Hill Cemetery.
Donations to the Melville United Church (Ivan) U.C.W., My Sisters’ Place, or Unity Project (London) would be appreciated by the family. Knowing Liz’s love of animals, please also consider bringing a donation of dog and/or cat pet food to the visitation or celebration of life, which will be donated by the family to local animal shelters that Liz supported.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Danielle Petrini
Sending my condolences to you, Garrett and family. I will treasure my memories of Liz. She was a great source of comfort to me in the years that followed my mom’s death, Liz’s long time friend. They met before I was born and remained good friends. May your memories of Liz give you comfort in the days and years ahead.
Much love, Danielle.
Carol Lynn Vandewetering Bradley
My heart is heavy thinking about the loss of Liz
I started my career at McEachren and enjoyed many chats and laughs with her
May God bless you all
XO
Maureen Jamieson
My heartfelt sympathy to Liz’s family. Both of our daughters spent their elementary years at McEachren and enjoyed kindergarten with Liz as their teacher. I was fortunate to get to know her personally as I was a supply teacher for many years at the school. She was a warm and friendly person who often shared her love for family and teaching with others. My husband and I were fortunate that our girls started their early school years under the guidance and caring support of Liz.. I was glad to have known her. Blessings to all of her family.
Sue
I met Liz in 1989 when I began my teaching career at M.B. McEachren. She was always so kind and helpful as I stumbled my way through my first years as an educator.
We shared many laughs and some brief moments of stardom participating in singing and lip-syncing escapades at staff parties and school talent shows.
She no doubt, touched the lives of many little ones as they started their school journeys.
I consider myself very blessed to have known her and to have worked with her.
My sincere condolences
Sue Byrne
The Belleville Family
Our sincere condolences. Liz was a beautifully kind hearted person. We always enjoyed our visits at community functions and being welcomed into her home for a chat every Halloween when our kids were small. Liz will be missed and our thoughts go out to her entire family.
Kathy and Andy
Liz was a lovely person to work with and enjoy as a friend. She looked at the whole child and encouraged them to be a good student and citizen. Her creativity and droll humour made the school days fun . Our sympathy to all the family.
Joan Taylor
Tracy Marcie and Amy.
My sympathy on your loss. Thinking of you.
Pam Bice and Jonathan Askew
Garrett, Tonya, Tracy and Marcie
Our deepest condolence on the passing of your Mom and sister. Liz was such a lovely lady who left a lasting impression with her soft and gentle nature.
You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Cara Reith
My thoughts are with you, Garrett, and the entire family.
I have many happy memories of Liz from 4-H, church and as a wonderful neighbour.
Her wit, humour, understanding and kindness will be remembered always.
Ally
Garrett,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mom. Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your extended family. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts.
Helen McAuslan (Marrinan)
My deepest condolences to Garrett and Zavitz family. While I have not seen Liz in several years I fondly recall many happy memories of our high school days. Liz was an accomplished student and a great friend. May you be comforted by your many cherished memories.
Debbie Buck
Garrett & Tonya and the Zavitz family
My deepest condolences. Liz & I first met in Grade 9 when we were next door locker neighbours. She had a sense of fun and had a very caring & gentle nature. Over the years we shared many cups of tea & discussed life’s events. Her proudest legacy was her son, Garrett who was very caring & devoted to her.
Farewell my longtime friend.
Debbie & Buck
Glenn Phillips
Tracy and Marcie
Thinking of you during this difficult time
Karen Chang
I’m so sorry for your loss, Garrett. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Jackie Kinder
My sincere sympathy to Liz’s family. I enjoyed working with her at McEachren. She cared passionately about children which was evident in her work. I recall her joy of theatre and of writing and her subtle sense of humor.
Rosmarie Patak
Please accept our deepest Condolences, for the loss of your dear Mom, Garrett and Tonya
Jewel and Norman Poole
We want to express our sincere sympathy to Garrett, Tonya and extended family.
Liz was a cherished kindergarten teacher to both of our daughters at MB McEachren
Public School.
We will always remember her warm smile, patience and kindness. She truly gave them a blessed beginning to their education journey.
Thanks Liz for your dedication to so many young lives.
With our love,
Jewel, Norm Poole, Wannetta Bradshaw and Glenda Lynch
Kelly O'Connor
My condolences to you Barb
Mary F Vanderwal
Colin and JoAnn and Barbara and Garry
My condolences to you and your family at your loss. Liz will be greatly missed by all of you and many others.
Murray and Edith Yeo
Barb and Garry and family
Very sorry to read of your loss of a sister. Have been thinking of you so often. Your sister sounds like such a caring person of so many, in person and of animals too. Precious memories to hang on to.
Joan Vogel
Our condolences to the family in the passing of Liz. We remember her from days when her mom was alive and her teaching days. Special remembrances to Marcie, Tracy and Amy… our wonderful neighbours. Sincerely, Joan, Paul and Miriam
Lori Hicks
Sincere and heartfelt condolences Garrett and family
Rosemary Robb & Family
My deepest condolences to Garrett & family…Liz was a kind hearted person that was willing to assist during the darkest part of my life. I have never forgotten, & shall always be grateful for that.
Carole Adam
Garrett and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. It was a wonderful blessing to have taught at McEachren with her. She was so thoughtful, caring about others ahead of herself. She often lifted our spirits with her sense of humor. It was a honour to be part of her life journey. Blessings and prayers for God’s peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Dean and Cathy Barclay
So sorry to hear of your loss Colin,Barb, Gary & Tracy & Family.
Liz always had smile and was very kind.
I am sure she will be dearly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
John & Mary Walls
Tracy, Marcie & families;
Our sincere condolences at this sad time. Thinking of you.
Diane & Ron Brown
Our thoughts are with Liz’s family at this difficult time. She was so proud of Garrett & his newly wedded wife, Tonya.
I will treasure our time teaching together at MB McEachren PS
Also, her teaching some of our children & grandchildren.
Tanya Hardy
My Dearest Cousin Liz
I have been re-reading, through my tears, some of our old emails. We shared an Irish wit and many life experiences and “talked of many things.” (shoes, ships, sealing wax, cabbages and kings.) And not to forget your stories of adventurous Whizzy and dear, contemplative Edna (who only wished to “travel and get a good education.”) You supported me through a devastating loss. You always put the needs of others before your own and met your own challenges with bravery and dignity. You are The Best. My heart breaks for your beloved Garrett, your cherished family and many friends as we now face a lonely planet without you. As Edna would advise, let us find a barn with a hole in the roof and look up at the twinkling stars in the night sky and remember with love our wonderful Elizabeth Mary Margaret Anne.
And, just at that moment, when someone says, “There, she is gone,”
There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!” (Henry Van Dyke “Gone From My Sight”)
Love you forever, Cousin Tanya