Elizabeth J Courtney

Elizabeth Jean "Liz" Courtney, 63, passed into God's loving arms on Christmas Day, 2010 after a 4 year courageous battle with cancer. Liz never met a stranger, befriended many people, lived life on her own terms and passed from this earth the same way. Liz will be remembered for her kind heart, the love she felt for her family and always opening her door to everyone. She was the life at every party, brought happiness to those closest to her, and most importantly, loved by her family. Her loss will be felt forever. Liz was met at heavens' doorway by her husband, Billy Courtney, her parents Ben and Clara Sanchez, her loving sister Cathy Townsend, maternal grandparents Eledo and Cornelia Garcia, paternal grandparents Bentura and Pablita Sanchez, and her in-laws Bill and Willa Mae Courtney. Her greatest joy in life was her only child, Jon Ryan Courtney, Ph.D., her granddaughter Julia Katherine Courtney, her daughter-in-law Katherine Courtney, Ph.D., and brother-in-law, Paul Townsend. Other survivors include maternal aunts Lucy G. Salazar, Marie A. Garcia-Cravens, Frances Warren, and Pauline S. Garcia. Liz was closest to her cousins, Linda Cravens-Rodriguez, Beverly Rubi, Ray Garcia, Leroy Rodriguez, and Tim Garcia. Very special friends Miguel Gurule, Joni Fernandez, and Yolanda Galvez. Liz had many Army buddies whom she served with in the Women's Army Corp, in Ft. McArthur, CA and Ft. Gordon, GA. All loved and cared for Liz deeply. The family is especially grateful to Dr. Teresa Rutledge and Dede Garcia, P.A at the UNM Cancer Center, Dr. Murray Ryan, Amber Care Hospice staff, Pam Archer with Espanola Home Health, Mary McDonald, and her caregiver, Socorro Mercado who not only provided medical care for Liz, but also gave her love and friendship. Arrangements have been entrusted to Rivera Family Funeral home in Espanola, NM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at La Iglesia De Santa Cruz De La Canada at 12 Noon, with internment to follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetary at 2:00 pm with military honors. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date.