Elizabeth Ryan Minor

December. 20 1946- October. 15, 2010

Liz died peacefully Friday afternoon, at home, with her family in attendance as they had been throughout her brief illness. When she received the diagnosis and its prognosis, in May, ofCreutzfeldt-Jakob disease she decided two things. First, she set about contacting friends from throughout her life hoping to hear from them and inviting those that could to come visit her while she still had the ability to get out and enjoy their company. A surprising number responded, coming from far and near, bringing much joy to her in the months she had left. They in return received joy and much inspiration from her spirited battle with this presently incurable disease. Second, she gave permission for herself and her records to be studied in the hope that Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease will someday be understood and families will no longer have to endure the ravages of this disease. Liz is survived by her husband Chuck, her daughter Jill and her sister Virginia Hanley. Her sisters-in-law Sue Sherrer, Jane Minor, and Jane's sister Virginia Rowen were devoted and much appreciated care givers, giving generously of their time and love to help out. Our heartfelt thanks go to them and the many neighbors, friends and relatives who became a steady stream of visitors bringing warm hugs, meals, gifts and "much Chocolate" thus brightening her often dreary Humboldt days. A Eureka native, Liz graduated from St. Bernard Schools of Eureka and Dominican University of San Rafael. She spent a number of years in Tucson, Arizona, where among other things she worked for the Mayor of Tucson. Wanting to be nearer family she moved to San Francisco where she worked for the Orthopedic Residency Training Program at St Mary's Hospital. After their marriage, she and Chuck returned to Eureka to raise a family. Here she worked for the Center For Child Advocacy, becoming the Director, and then worked as an independent contractor to the Superior Court of California Humboldt County until forced early retirement. She will be remembered for her wit, intelligence, creative style and her devotion to family, friends and coworkers. She was a world traveler; some memorable trips included Scotland with five cousins searching out their ancestral home, Italy, joining Jill who studied there one summer and Paris with her sister and their daughters after Jill graduated from the University of Arizona She was a creative and outstanding cook, a book artist and member ofNORBAG, a letter writer who never forgot a birthday, an avid reader and longtime Book Club member who kept a record of every book she ever read. A Service for Elizabeth will be held at St Bernard Church on Friday October 22, 2010 at 2PM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation, in Liz's name, be made to Hospice of Humboldt, the Caring Bridge web site or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Pierce Mortuary Chapel, Eureka, CA 707-442-3751, www.piercemortuarychapels.com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard from October 19 to October 20, 2010