Elizabeth was born on June 15, 1949, in Waco, Texas, alongside her identical twin sister, Elaine, to the late Major Harrell and Helen Sue (“Sudie”) Drake. Growing up in an Air Force family, Liz had the unique opportunity to travel with her parents to France, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Germany before settling in Seguin, where she graduated from Seguin High School. She later attended Texas Lutheran College.
Her lifelong love of travel was strengthened when she joined New Braunfels Travel Agency. As a travel agent, Liz delighted in helping others explore the world, carefully planning trips and creating unforgettable experiences for her clients. She approached her work not simply as a business, but as a way to connect people to adventure, family, and lifelong memories. Her attention to detail, warm personality, and genuine excitement for others’ journeys made her a trusted guide and friend to many who relied on her expertise.
After many years, she started working at Texas Lutheran College. During that time, Liz became an adopted mother to many students. She truly never met a stranger. One of her greatest gifts was the joy she carried into every room she entered. Her beautiful smile and infectious laughter could brighten even the darkest day, and she had a remarkable way of making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved.
In June 1996, Liz married the love of her life, David McFarland. Together they formed a dynamic duo as catastrophic insurance adjusters, traveling across the United States to assist communities in the wake of disasters. After retirement, they made their home in New Braunfels, where they continued to share their love of travel and adventure.
Liz had a tender heart not only for people but for animals as well, especially the many stray cats she lovingly took in and cared for over the years. Her compassion knew no bounds.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harrell and Sudie Drake; her sister, Patricia (“Patty”) Sue Drake; her grandparents, William and Annie Menke Stroman and Doss and Julie Cheek Drake; along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Liz is survived by her devoted husband, David McFarland; her daughters, Laura (John) Nash, Erika (Dean) Braune, and Andrea Martinez; her step-son, William McFarland; her grandchildren, Emily (Jordan) Harvell, Tilden Nash, Kassie Braune, Cole Taylor, Cori Taylor, and Sean (Adrienne) McFarland; her great-grandchild, Sophia Blake McFarland; her sisters, Lynda Grisham and her beloved twin, Elaine (Basil) Shields; the father of her children, Craig (Pam) Sagebiel; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and the many “extra” children who lovingly called her Mom.
She was proud to be called “Mawlee” by her grandchildren and was fondly known as “Liffy” by the Drake family. Her pride and joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. She treasured traveling the country with her soulmate and spending time tending to her plants, both indoors and out. She loved swimming, reading books and poetry, and looked forward to more adventures with her husband.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home March 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Options Pregnancy and Health, 1126 Loop 337, New Braunfels, TX 78130, Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area, Inc., 3353 Morningside Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78130, or the Sophienburg Museum, 401 W. Coll Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
As it is written in Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Liz lived this scripture daily through her kindness, generosity, and open heart.
