ELLSWORTH and Lake Wales, Fla.
The family of Liz McVay, 77, are saddened to announce her very unexpected passing on Aug. 31, 2019, in Lake Wales, Fla. Liz was born Nov. 11, 1941, in Bronx, N.Y., daughter of John McVay of New York and Myrtle (Tapley) McVay of Brooksville.
Liz spent much of her life in Ellsworth. She worked for M.A. Clark Florist and The Ellsworth American before pursuing her own passion as a seamstress. She spent decades providing stitchwork in clothing and upholstery for a long list of prom seniors, brides, christenings, friends and family as well as sail work, parachute and even upholstery work for a Stephen King movie. Throughout her life, her passion remained alive through crafting for pleasure and business. In addition to her passion for stitchwork, Liz was never afraid to learn new skills, learning from her father and other great teachers how to do carpentry and work on cars. Up until the end, Liz was doing upholstery work in addition to volunteering at a local community center where she also sold her products at craft fairs. She was an excellent cook, and perhaps her greatest love was any opportunity to gather in her home, over a meal, a dessert, tea or coffee and just share stories of life on life’s terms with one another. If you were blessed to be a part of this expression of her love for us, you will always remember her with a smile.
Liz was a proud, determined and active member of Al-Anon family support groups anywhere she traveled or lived. She loved participating in organized activities and trips with her many Al-Anon friends.
Liz camped as often as she could and loved to travel. She was able to take several cruises through the years in addition to multiple trips to Europe. She loved living in Florida near Disney and enjoyed many visits to the park with friends and family members.
Liz was especially proud of her decision to earn her GED and pursue a college education in her 50s.
Liz wanted what was best for her children and grandchildren. As much effort as was put in, she fell short of her hopes and ideals in what she could do for them. She was plagued with the same self-doubt that any of us face when we are looking at our own reflection of how our choices have impacted the ones we love the most. She is loved and will forever be deeply missed by those who love her.
Liz is survived by her husband and partner of 20 years, Milton McPherson of Lake Wales, Fla.; her children, Kathy Conklin, Christine Callahan, Michael Jeffries, Charles Jeffries, Edward Jeffries and Ami Torrey. She also leaves several stepchildren, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters.
Liz was predeceased by her parents, granddaughter Elizabeth Ireland of Ellsworth and brother John McVay of Germany.
There will be a gathering of remembrance and celebration Aug. 22, 2020, at Lamoine State Park at 11 a.m., to include a brief service at 11:30 a.m. and a picnic to follow. Food and refreshment will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring your favorite dish to share with everyone. Liz would have headed to the kitchen for any of us. The day of her passing, she had five guests coming to weather out a hurricane. She was an amazing woman. Keep her and her family in your memory.