Elizabeth "Liz" F. McHale Leffler

now at peace in the arms of her Savior, reunited with family and loved ones who went before her.

Liz was born in Roslyn, Pennsylvania, to Arthur and Ursula McHale. She was the third of seven children and the first of two daughters. She spent her childhood years making fond memories with her siblings and large extended family.

She went on to attend Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, Minnesota, where she studied secretarial administration. Even while in school, her heart for service was already evident as she worked overnight caring for others as a nurse’s aide. Soon after, she moved to the suburbs of Minneapolis and continued her career in secretarial work before marrying and starting a family.

After dedicating herself to raising her children, Liz opened her home to others, providing daycare for many families within her church community. She later worked in retail at Fashion Bug. In 1998, she moved to Florida, where she continued caring for others through neighborhood daycare and professional housecleaning. In August of 2001, she gave birth to her fourth and final child—her miracle baby. The new baby and Florida sunshine proved to be good for her soul.

Above all else, being a mother was her greatest calling. In her spare time, Liz enjoyed crafting, card making, shelling, shopping, sunbathing, sweets, and a good cup of coffee. One of her favorite places to make memories was the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida.

Liz lovingly raised her children into adulthood and was known for celebrating every occasion in a thoughtful and meaningful way. This tradition began in her own childhood, but as a mother and a Nana, it became her legacy. Every birthday was made special with carefully chosen gifts and favorite foods to honor each child and grandchild individually.

If you knew her, you knew she adored her seven grandbabies more than anything. They were her deepest source of joy. She was always on their side, often spoiling them despite their parents’ wishes—because to her, love meant saying yes whenever she could. They gave her laughter, meaning, and renewed purpose, and she gave them unconditional devotion in return. Being their Nana was her most cherished blessing.

Holidays were especially magical. Liz decorated both the house and yard for every season, filling those around her with warmth and joy. She had a deep love for Christmas and gift-giving, and her Christmas tree decorating skills were second to none. She saw every celebration as an opportunity to make life feel special, joyful, and truly worth living.

Giving to others is where Liz found her greatest fulfillment. It revealed the kind of person she was—compassionate and guided by an unwavering faith that taught her to love fully, serve selflessly, and show up for others. Her faith in God anchored her through both joy and hardship, carrying her with strength and resilience. By the way she lived her faith, she encouraged and inspired all who knew her to carry their own faith with the same devotion.

In her most recent years, Liz worked for Dignity Memorial in Celebration of Life, a role she often described as “the perfect fit.” There, she blended compassion, creativity, and care, helping families honor their loved ones with dignity and love. For her, it was more than just a job—it was a ministry of comfort. She deeply enjoyed her work and the friendships she made. It is only fitting that we now honor her life with the same thoughtfulness and love she so generously gave to others.

Liz will be remembered for her generous heart, her creativity, and the way she made people feel seen and cared for. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, siblings, and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness. We will carry her love and spirit in our hearts forever.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur P. McHale Sr. and Ursula Heinz McHale; her brothers, Arthur P. McHale Jr. and Patrick M. McHale; and her grandparents, James J. McHale and Margaret (Rorick) McHale, and Frederick Heinz and Katharina Heinz.

She is survived by her children: daughter Heidi Leffler Santucci (Matt), son Michael Leffler (Celine), daughter Stephanie Leffler Fisk (Cameron), and daughter Nicole Leffler (Paul); her siblings, Daniel McHale, Raymond McHale, Susan McHale Oman, and Brian McHale; along with her beloved grandchildren, Harper, Marlee, Emerson, Hudson, Finley, Maverick, and Sawyer; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Elizabeth on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home, located at 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759. Please scroll for details.

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