Elizabeth Ann Bethoney (Mahfood) passed away peacefully at the age of 72, surrounded by family and friends, on July 20, 2019. She was born July 30, 1946 in Steubenville, OH and lived there for 18 years before moving to El Paso, TX.
Liz attended Texas Western, where she received a Bachelors in Spanish and later a Masters in Spanish and English. She also studied French extensively during her college years. Liz taught high school English, Spanish and French for many years, both in Weirton, WV and at Andress High School in El Paso. Liz was one of a select group of United States educators to be chosen by the French government to study for one year in France. That year cemented her love for the French culture and language. The next chapter of her life began in 1981 when she met the love of her life, Robert Bethoney, at an Antiochian Orthodox convention in Los Angeles.
Liz and Bob were married in 1983 in El Paso, TX, and then moved to Bob’s hometown in Massachusetts. Alexis, their adored only child, was born in 1985. Liz and family moved back to El Paso in 1994, where she spent her remaining years. She really loved El Paso. Her life was filled with family first, friends, faith, travel, different cultures, cooking and food, music and dancing, movies, and all-around good fun. Some of her happiest times were spent with her two beautiful grandchildren, Giselle and Jace. She is preceded in death by her husband, V. Rev. Fr. Robert (Bob) Bethoney and her parents, Edward and Nabiha Mahfood.
She leaves behind her daughter Alexis Bethoney Gerena (German), grandchildren Giselle and Jace, her sister Marian Mahfood Jensen (Mark), Aunts Jamell Bettor and Waded Esper, and many cousins. The family is grateful for the loving attention provided to Liz by her wonderful doctors (Drs. Muneer Assi, Fernando Raudales, and Edward Assi), DaVita Central City dialysis staff, and caregivers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The National Kidney Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association.
