Elizabeth May Alexandria Tingley

Elizabeth May Alexandria Victoria Willison Tingley was born on March 9, 1937, at 11:30 pm in Whitney Point, New York. Liz passed peacefully at 2:15 am on November 17, 2021, while receiving comfort care at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. She was 84 at the time of her passing; most recently she resided at Holt Senior Care in Holt, Michigan. Through video and voice calls as well as in-person visits, she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, brother, nieces, dear friend, and pastor in her final two weeks. Many messages of love and hugs were also passed on through her daughters from her nieces and nephews, old friends, and recent caregivers at Holt.

During the summers of Liz's young years, she played with her brother and cousins at her maternal grandmother's home in Whitney Point. She always treasured those memories and loved a visit from those cousins a few years back. From age three, she lived in Middle River, Maryland with her brothers, Floyd Jr. and Walter, and her parents, Floyd Sr. and Ena. Liz remembered fondly her churches in both Whitney Point and Middle River. Church was an integral part of her entire life; she brightened each congregation that she was blessed to call a church home. Liz moved to Grosse Pointe, Michigan as a teenager and met Burton Warren Tingley at the Fortnighter Group at Grosse Pointe Presbyterian Church. She remained an active member of the church and became a Stephen Minister, as well as a trainer for other Stephen Ministers. Liz and Burt married on April 28, 1962; Liz continued to call Burt "my special guy,” sharing memories of him during conversations in the last days of her life.

Liz went to Olivet College for two years and then transferred to Wayne State University and received a Medical Technology Certificate. She worked as a phlebotomist for a few years and then spent the rest of her life caring for others—her children, other people’s children, elderly women, and eventually her grandchildren. One way that Liz espoused this tradition of care was by always listening to those around her. She imparted wisdom in a non-judgmental way that was easy for people to hear and benefit from. She started every conversation with "how are you doing?" and waited for the answer with interest and compassion. She loved every child and every person she helped with her whole heart and would often speak about the pride and joy she found in those relationships.

Liz and Burt resided in Harper Woods, Michigan, where Liz devoted her life to her family and three children as they were growing up. She was active with all her children’s school activities and fundraising throughout the years. Liz had a treasured friend in Harper Woods, Mary Lou Randazoo, whom she remained close with after her move and until Mary Lou's passing. The two enjoyed their morning coffee together at a local restaurant for years after their children were grown. Others would stop at their table to visit, including children and grandchildren.

When Burt passed, Liz moved to Charlotte, Michigan and fulfilled her life-long dream of small-town living. She befriended Jeanne Hudson at Lansing Avenue United Methodist Church and they remained dear friends for the rest of her days. Liz was active in the Charlotte community and shifted her gifts of care towards volunteering. She taught vacation bible school and Sunday school and helped with fundraisers at the church. She mentored a young boy and girl for several years; she wrote whimsical short stories for them to enjoy and to help them with reading. She also organized the Red Hats of Kiwanis. Liz took joy in swimming and playing cards and bingo with friends. Her family cherishes memories of cozy Christmas Days full of games and good food at her place in Charlotte. Her oldest granddaughter, Jennifer, treasured the quality time she shared with Liz when she would visit the week before the holiday to help her prepare for hosting; the necessary cleaning and shopping were accompanied by coffee-drinking, silly movies, and lots of fun.

Liz was blessed to later move closer to her daughter, Margie, and live at Grand Haven Manor for a number of years. As her health began to decline, she was further blessed with full-time care from her precious and giving granddaughter, Beth. While living at Grand Haven, she became an active member of Mayflower Congregational Church, primarily through worship and bible study. She also started a Red Hat group at Grand Haven and continued to enjoy playing cards and doing puzzles for as long as her eyes allowed. Each day, Liz would go on a “tool around” the building. She liked to stop in and check on each of her friends, and her sweetness ensured she was beloved by all who met her. Liz took her daily dose of sunshine quite seriously, often reporting on these delight-filled moments spent outside via phone calls with her grandchildren. It was in these years that her now grown grandchildren would make individual efforts to spend time with her - whether a drive across the country or a drive across town, they all made the effort. She particularly liked her fun-filled shopping trips with Katie, Jenny, Jennifer and Beth and hugs from Bill, Chris, Karl, and Amber. She eventually moved to Holt Senior Care and was so loved by the staff there. She never gave up being a leader and was the President of the Residents’ Counsel at the time of her death.

Liz’s optimism and smile were contagious. She took advantage of every opportunity to laugh and used her witty sense of humor to ensure she rarely laughed alone. The way she savored the joy of simple pleasures—like a sip of coffee or a beautiful flower—reminded those around her of what really matters. Liz carried herself as a regretless woman. In this way she lived by example, giving others silent permission to let go of their regrets as well. One of Liz’s many special gifts was her ability to bring people together. She especially loved extended family gatherings and left this legacy of staying well-connected for others to follow. Liz loved reading stories as much as she loved telling them, two traits which have given her family and friends many treasured memories to hold on to.

Liz was preceded in death by many that she loved: her mother and father, Florence Letitia Ena Evelyn Sparks Willison and Floyd Eugene Willison Sr.; her younger brother, Walter Sparks; her beloved husband, Burton Warren Tingley. She very much looked forward to these heavenly reunions and to be at eternal rest, together. Liz is survived by her brother, Floyd Eugene Willison, Jr. (Mary Lou); her children, Charles Warren Tingley, Margaret Evelyn Bauer (David), Elizabeth Anne Tingley-Pigge (Chris); her grandchildren who felt she was a wonderful Grandma and loved her laugh and smiles when she was with them: Jennifer Fofana, Karl Fofana (Amber), Beth Bauer, Bill Bauer, Katie Herman (Zak), Jenny Pigge, and Chris Pigge; and her great-granddaughter, Charlotte Herman. Liz adored all of her nieces and nephews: Janeen Beebe, Tracy Riffle, Jill Kidd, Matt Willison, Wendy McCartney, and Mark Willison. In addition to all of those mentioned by name, Liz's cousins, aunts and uncles, friends, and those she cared for over the course of her life brought her much joy in her final years through their phone calls, letters, and visits.

A Celebration of Life and party (Liz's wishes) is planned for this summer; details will be shared through this web site and through Facebook and email. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you do something in Liz’s memory for a family or child in need—wherever you are in the world. Liz’s children would love to receive stories of these acts of care taken in her memory via text, email, or phone call. If you have any worries on your heart, follow Liz's advice and "give it to God."