Elizabeth Kaney

Elizabeth was born on May 1, 1961, in Annandale, Virginia, to Bobbie Frank Rodgers and Harold Henry Rumph. She grew up with a strong curiosity and determination that guided her throughout her life and career. She attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she earned her degree in Electrical Engineering. While working in the Defense Systems Division of the Engineering Experiment Station—now known as the Georgia Tech Research Institute—she met Stephen F. Kaney, the man who would become her husband and lifelong partner. They were married on March 30, 1985, beginning a marriage defined by devotion, partnership, and shared purpose.

Elizabeth had a fulfilling career as an Electrical Engineer beginning at Lockheed, but it was cut short by her illness. However, her positive attitude never wavered. Elizabeth found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved gardening and landscaping, taking pride in creating beauty and calm in the spaces around her. She was an avid reader, a lifelong learner and a lover of pastries. During her 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, she spent many peaceful hours enjoying her favorite programs, This Old House and Antiques Roadshow, finding comfort in craftsmanship, history, and thoughtful design.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Bobbie Frank Rodgers; her stepmother, Norma Rumph; and her father, Harold Henry Rumph.

Elizabeth is survived by her loving husband, Stephen Foster Kaney; her daughter, Christina Marisa Kaney; her son, James Robert Kaney; her daughter-in-law, Emily Alcantara Kaney; her granddaughter, Avery Caroline Kaney; and another grandchild joyfully expected in the coming months. She is also survived by her sisters: Margaret Banas (John Banas), Rhonda Hostetler, Christina Crawford (Bob Pacenta), and her brother Pierce Rumph (Carolyn Rumph), and brother-in-law Bob Kaney (Sharlene Kaney), sister-in-law Marcia Kaney Smith (Randy Smith), and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Roswell, GA with Rev. Dr. Rex Kaney officiating. The service is at 2 p.m. with visitation an hour before the service. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and support one another in celebrating Elizabeth's life starting at 1:00.

Elizabeth’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the beauty she cultivated, and the love and strength she gave so freely.