We have many fond memories of Liz, most related to our shared church family at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Wilton. Some are as simple as her faithful furry companion, Luna, waiting patiently in her car during our Thursday evening choir practices and greeting her (and us) enthusiastically when we would finally finish. 

Liz was active in many facets of our church life and was always motivated by opportunities for service to those in need.  For example, she noticed how well items with a personal touch sold at our parish’s annual Auction.  The Auction goes to support parish activities in a number of areas including outreach.

 With that outreach support in mind, Liz had the idea of offering the auction item of caroling by the St. Matthew’s Choir at the winner’s home at Christmastime, for a big party or the like.  The idea really took off after the very enthusiastic reaction of the first year’s winner, and Liz – always ready to build on a success! – felt we should expand it to offer multiple Christmas caroling events at the next year’s Auction.  And so what had started as one Auction item grew to multiples with Liz working on putting the music in choir folders and recruiting the singers.  

The annual caroling was not only a big hit and  very successful in fundraising but also gave the choir a really welcome reminder of how much fun we parishioners have together!   It was typical of Liz that she made sure the caroling happened every year.  Who can forget whole groups of Christmas partygoers taking on the roles of ladies dancing and lords a'leaping in "The Twelve Days of Christmas" as Janet Nobles directed and everyone joined in the caroling fun! 

Our hearts go out to Kate, Tom and all of Liz’s family and friends.  Liz was a bright, concerned and loving person who was trapped in an illness that robbed her and those who loved her of so much - a hugely tragic loss to her and her family and indeed to all of us. 

With love and deep sympathy,
Steve and Becky Hudspeth


Liz, or “Zil” as we affectionately called her, is someone I will never forget. When I was in high school, Zil moved into a space connected to my family home. All I knew of her at the time was that she was my mom’s college friend. I struggled with pretty serious depression in high school and Zil always invited me in, talked to me about the things she most loved - like her kids, her dog, Luna, and the white chocolate brioche from club med :) - and made sure I knew I was loved. Zil was someone who always questioned the world, for better or for worse. As I grew up and came into my own, she wanted to understand the things about myself for which I held onto shame and the new things I was proud of. She battled her demons just as I battled mine. She was brilliant and talented. She was funny and loud and always smiling. She woke up on hard days and pushed through. I recently lost a senior rescue dog I had for just 14 months (but a beautiful 14 months). Her name was Lou. When Lou died, Zil sent me this message: “I’m so privileged to know you, Linds❤️. What a blessing you are to the world and especially Lou. Tell us the whole story - write about Fourteen Months.  Maybe a book, a song, an essay... People will be inspired. Love you tons and tons. Z.” I read this one often. I like to imagine her saying it. I wish I’d had the chance to tell her “the whole story,” but I know she would feel moved by the love that surrounds her here. I miss you, Zil ❤️

I think Liz joined St. Matthew's around the same time our family did. She had a beautiful voice and we loved seeing Katie follow in her footsteps joining her mom in the choir.  Even though her life had challenging moments her kindness shined through. She was a friend who cheered on my business dreams even after she move from Wilton. Liz we are heartbroken you had to leave us too soon. Prayers to Katie and Tommy♥️

I remember the first time I met Liz. I had recently moved to Wilton and she was the first  to introduce herself to me and my daughter at a reception following  an All Saints service at St. Matt’s. Her big heart was showing as it often did. She was welcoming and warm. Her love and joy for her own children was also obvious. She took great pride to introduce them and often shared her happiness in their presence. Liz asked me to share an auction offering with her for our Great Gatsby Gala, by organizing dance lessons in preparation. That was great fun to do and a win/win for all involved. Her cooking skills were fabulous with several dinners shared with friendship, great food and beautiful ambience.  Liz was often thinking of ways to give of herself and made communion bread for us too. Liz is remembered with love, Char

This news saddens me beyond words. Liz had the biggest heart, and she wore it on her sleeve. She was one of the smartest people I know; she thought outside the box, always searching for solutions to the church’s complex problems. I loved running into her for a chat during coffee hour because she ALWAYS brightened my day. We lost you way too early Liz. Rest in peace.

I did not know Liz personally, but feel like I knew her through our loving mutual friends, the Nobles family. I offer this hymn (my favorite) in honor of the music that I know she cherished and pray that it brings some peace and additional glory to her memory. https://youtu.be/_VpSqAcLrDI.


I'll always remember Liz's smile and "Amen" whenever I gave her communion. Her smile was deep and wide. 

Liz and I sang together in St. Mathew’s choir and I enjoyed her friendship and  her lovely voice.  When I was going through a difficult time, she shared encouragement and laughter.  She always was ready to lend a hand to others in need.  I’ve moved away and have not seen her in nearly 2 years but her smile remains in my memory and her voice in my head.  Much love, Liz.  Peace is yours friend. 

Liz was a member of our church’s foyer group or dinner group. These groups usually last one year and then you join another. We all enjoyed this particular group that we kept it together. My husband and I always looked forward to seeing Liz she was so bright articulate and funny.  Her cooking talents were unmatched. She also provided the bread for church services.   Miss you Liz. You were a good one. 

Liz was always a welcoming presence at St Matt’s.  When her kids were singing or reading, her smile broadened...so much love in her heart!  I loved watching her & waiting for the moment that her pride burst through!

I met Liz when I was one of Katie’s middle school youth group leaders, and then later through the St. Matthew’s choir.  I saw such a special person in shy young Katie and when I talked to Liz about what a wonderful daughter she had, it was clear how much she loved her children. 
In truth, Liz loved EVERYONE. She was literally handfuls and handfuls of love, hugs, laughs and smiles. She could also sometimes be a handful due to her mental illness, which was a daily struggle for this gentle, kind woman. For those of us who were lucky enough to look past that, we had the gift of a lifelong generous friend. 
Liz, I will miss you with my whole heart. I will miss your giggles and your belly laugh. I will miss your kindness. You have left behind a legacy of goodness. Rest In Peace in the Lord’s loving arms. 

I am so thankful I had the pleasure of knowing Liz. I remember hosting a dinner with her and my mom and I was young so I helped set the table and I remember thinking how fancy it felt. When she moved into her new house, I helped her unpack and get settled and she always offered to have me over to swim in her pool which was so kind of her, since she knew how much I loved being in the water. She was always so generous and always thought of others before herself. I am so glad I got to know Liz. She will be so dearly missed. 

I have years of fun memories with Liz. We sang in the St. Matthew's choir together. She established the Christmas Caroling tradition that we planned together. I loved the year that we were partners for the church rotating Potluck dinners.  We prepared Beef Wellington and other exotic dishes that I would have never tried on my own. She had such luxurious taste! One year she joined my extended family for Thanksgiving. It was such fun. Much love to Katie and Tommy.  I know how much she loves you...and is so proud! Liz stored a couple of boxes in our garage and I have not opened them. Please let me know how you want me to do that. Liz was full of life always and had so much love to offer. I am thankful that she was my friend. 

OBITUARY

Elizabeth Johnson Hanson

August 23, 1959 – January 28, 2021

Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes

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