It is with sadness that I write to inform you that Lizabeth Lanier, former Beaver Island Community Center employee and daughter of longtime PABI President and former CEO Judy Gallagher, has passed away. Her obituary is below:

Obituary and Memorial for Lizabeth Lanier

Liz Lanier died in Charlevoix, Michigan on August 6th, 2020 following years of struggle with cancer and related illnesses. She was 59 years old, and is survived by her mother, Judith Gallagher, her Aunt Tricia DuVall, Uncle Mike Taack, and step-brothers and sisters: Cindy & Jim Nielsen, Mark & Tina Lanier, Melanie Lanier, Dorothy & Dick Prawat, Diane & Jeff Braun; Sherman Gallagher, Tom & Michelle Gallagher, Bill & Crystal Gallagher, John Gallagher, and Jean & Matt Heinemann. Lizabeth was preceded in death by her brother Ross Henderson, her uncle George Taack, and her beloved stepfather, Jack Gallagher.

 

Liz loved swimming and fishing during her family’s summer vacations on Beaver Island, even as she waitressed at the Shamrock in her teens. After graduating from Holt High School, Liz attended Central Michigan University before joining her uncle in a Home and Art Furnishings business in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She returned to Michigan in 2003, and helped create Montaage, a similar business on Beaver Island. Liz also worked at the Beaver Island Community Center once it opened in 2008–where her colleagues and customers enjoyed her spontaneous good humor and source of local information. She spent her last few years in Charlevoix.

 

Liz enjoyed foreign travel, including her time as a foreign-exchange student in Chile and Argentina, and travels to Africa and Europe with her Mother. Other personal joys included living with her cats, playing cards, entertaining, sparing with friends and family, and being kind to community colleagues. She will be missed by many.

A memorial service for Liz will be scheduled after the Corona Virus is better controlled and allows safe travel for family and friends. In the meantime—and in lieu of flowers—the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to The Beaver Island Community Center for the Lizabeth Lanier Memorial Fund at P.O. 494, Beaver Island, MI 49782—or on-line.

Sincerely,

Marcy