Liz and I were best friends for that time in our life when our kids were little and we had no money and we could have coffee (only with real half and half!) every morning and talk on the phone…..that time seems far away and yet right now. She was always available and ready to help re-arrange the room – moving couches and tables..picking colors ..helping to paint.

One of my favorite memories is when we were both pregnant (with Hilary and Caitlin) – about 6 months along and we needed to wallpaper the ceiling in my kitchen. At least I had decided that it was the best and cheapest way to cover all the cracks. The ceilings in that kitchen were 10 feet high – so picture 2 very pregnant ladies on ladders trying to get plain white wallpaper straight on the ceiling. We worked for an hour on one strip. Laughing, frustrated …then sat down at the dining room table – so discouraged, but I’d spent $70 on wallpaper – what were we to do. I remember we drank coffee – is that possible? – at any rate – we re-grouped and actually got the project done that day. What a victory and what laughter!

Another time we decided that we had to pierce a second hole in our ears – again the kids were little – we probably decided while drinking coffee. Get the needle – get an apple – get the ice! Ok – which ear means that we are gay? We don’t care – just get it done – and we did! I’m not sure how Rick felt about it, but my husband was underwhelmed with what we did that day.

We went to Chicago for our first big outing since having kids – we really needed to see Crate & Barrel. We high fived after we checked into the hotel “all by ourselves” without our husbands, shopped so much that it took 2 bell carts to get all our purchases down to the car and then we even were able to drive ourselves home without a hitch. Amazing how that seemed so grown up!

I got out of the shower this morning and realized that Liz helped pick the colors and that she consulted on the choosing of the tile, the placing of the random black and white. Her art is placed above my mantle – 2 pieces of cut paper and stamping – one for me with a half and half woman – the working side and the mother. Her special piece created after our trip on the Boundary Waters – the Big Dipper sits on my desk and has since that adventure in 2003.

She helped create every invitation for the annual big homebrew party, the logo for P & J Brewing Supplies. We had to drink wine to “brainstorm” those invitations and we did it during the day…when the kids were little and we tired of coffee.

As I write this, the hole in the world gets bigger and the globe tilts on its axis. She was an incredible friend, cousin-in-law and person. The world is dimmer without her light.

Liz was my sister-in-law (my husband Kurt is her husband Rick's brother). I loved her from the first time I met her. Over the years she became so much more than just a sister-in-law through marriage. She was warm, fun, positive, and just so comfortable and easy to be around. Liz was so talented and creative--I felt she really found her niche when she began doing the illustrations for children's books. Her artwork was whimsical and fun and kids loved it--the first time I read one of her books to my primary special ed class, she received the highest compliment you can get from a kid--the minute I finished it, someone said "Read it again, Mrs. Conrad!!" Hopefully parents and teachers and grandparents will continue to "Read it again" and allow her to live on through her wonderful art work.
She raised two beautiful young women who she was so proud of. She was family to a few of us, friends to so many of us, and touched the lives of more people than we will ever know. Our hearts are all broken, but she has left her imprint on each and every one of us.

Liz was my neighbor here in East Grand Rapids and the very best neighbor anyone could ever ask for. We spent many sunny summer days at the pool with kids in tow, talking about life and the wonderful aspects of "girlfriends". After Liz moved we looked forward to summer vacations when we would once again connect and play that famous card game of hers, Spite and Malice! I don't know if I ever beat her! Once again this summer I was looking forward to my trip to Suwanee, actually scheduled for Aug. 23-27th. Little did I know what a week that would be. My tears are many for losing such a caring, loving friend much too soon. Her lively illustrated books will continue to adorn my 1st grade classroom along with the smiles and laughter I shared with her. May we all keep Liz alive in our hearts.

I was introduced to Liz by my son, Michael and Caitlin. We were friends instantly and shared a lot in common including our love for adventure and the outdoors. When she invited me to join her on a trip to the Boundary Waters I knew it was going to be very special. That journey with Liz and her unique, caring friends will forever be etched in my memory. When you sit in a canoe with someone for a week and share a tent you get to know them pretty well, and I felt like I was with my sister. Liz's magnetic personality, along with a heart as big as Kanasa made her the greatest friend I'll ever have. Liz lived her life with great gusto, was a friend to everyone and loved her family probably more than herself. She was the most positive, upbeat person I've ever met and was always there to lend an encouraging word or hug when it was needed most. All I can say is that everyone in heaven is enjoying her company and we will miss her. Liz will always live in our hearts.

Growing up with Liz was so much fun, as all of you know that personality of hers! We always assume our friends will be around forever. It's a terribly sad day to loose such a truly special person. She had that unique, one of a kind vibrant personality. Our loss is Heaven's gain, however. She will always be in my heart......always......