Passed away October 3, 2020 at the age of 25. Survived by parents Garry and Jennifer Mahan; brothers Josh, Chris, and Collin; grandmothers Brenda Kinzly and Margaret Mahan; aunts and uncles Michael and PeggyAnn Kinzly, and James and Catherine Hall; many cousins and dear friends.
Liz was a kind, fun-loving, and creative young woman with a smile that could light up the world. While she was an incredibly talented traditional artist, working in areas such as painting and pottery, she also had an incredible talent for seeing the potential in objects that others saw as past their prime. Her favorite hobby was to collect discarded items and use them to create something beautiful – repurposing wooden pallets, old doors or cabinets into amazing pieces of furniture or transforming donated clothing into wearable art.
Liz’s ability to see the potential in objects extended to presents: she was an incredibly thoughtful gift giver, and always had a story to accompany the gift explaining how or why she chose it.
Liz played volleyball for Victor high school and started at middle hitter for 3 years in which the team competed for sectional championships every year. She also played club volleyball for both Xtreme and VolleyFX clubs.
Liz graduated from the University of Tampa and worked for Cisco as a Channel Account Manager at the time of her passing. Although she did not have an engineering background, she quickly came up to speed on the information relevant to her job. During her one-year tenure with Cisco, she was known to take the initiative and go the extra mile in helping her clients and partners.
Liz loved adventure and travel. While in college she traveled to Ghana, Africa on a service project where she worked with local female artisans on business development. When Liz graduated, she and Jen drove cross-country to California where Liz took a short-term position at a winery in Sonoma as a lab assistant. Liz most recently travelled to the Netherlands to visit her brother, Collin, who was playing professional volleyball for a team near Amsterdam.
Liz had recently fostered and adopted a rescue Boxer / Labrador mix named Libby and the two created a close bond in a short amount of time. Liz enjoyed taking Libby on walks in the woods and Libby would often be seen taking up half of Liz’s bed when she was ready to sleep.
In lieu of traditional calling hours, the family will be receiving friends and family at the Shady Rest Pavilion at Powder Mill Park in Pittsford, NY from 2pm-5pm on Saturday October 10th.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Florida All Retriever Rescue Group from which Liz had adopted Libby. http://www.flretrieverrescue.org/donate/
Comments
35 responses to “Mahan, Elizabeth J.”
On behalf of all of her colleagues that had the pleasure of working with Liz professionally at Cisco, we are so sorry for your loss. Liz had a radiance about her that was apparent in every engagement. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to your family, she will be greatly missed by her Cisco and Tech Data teams as well.
I am so sorry to hear about Elizabeth. My prayers are with all of you at this time and always. Sending lots of hugs and love to you
I am so sorry to have heard about the loss of Liz. In the short time that I knew her I was impressed with her enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge. It was always a good day when she walked in the door and she will be sorely missed by the Tech Data Cisco team. To her family, I am so sorry for your loss and please know that my prayers, and those of all of my colleagues, are with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. Liz made such an impact on those who met her – she lit up the room and her gentle demeanor caused immediate trust and comradeship. Her gift-giving abilities always touched those on the receiving end – such thought was evident. I will miss her and the light she always exuded.
So very sorry for your loss. Her kindness will always be remembered by those of us who knew her with Florida All Retriever Rescue.
Our family is deeply saddened by your loss. We remember meeting your wonderful family and Liz years ago at story time when the kids were little. Through the years and many sporting events-she was always so friendly and kind. She had a light and grace about her that our entire family will never forget. .Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Liz was such a wonderful person. I am so thankful to have worked with her for four years as an art student at Victor High School where I got to know her well. She was a ray of light and I always looked forward to her sense of humor, positive attitude and stories about Josh’s adventures in DC. She was an exceptional student but an even better person. I am so sorry for your loss and will always look back fondly on our time working together. Her murals are still in the art wing hallway and I walk by them often and think of her. My deepest of sympathies to the entire Mahan family.
Mahan Family
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our family is so sorry to hear of your loss. Liz was such a special young woman who always had a ready smile for everyone. We send you love as you deal with this terrible loss.
The short time we knew Liz, you could tell she was full of life, adventure, and amazing personality. Although not nearly long enough I feel lucky to have had the pleasure of getting to know her a little. May her spirit live on through her legacy and her Amazing family
Dear Jen and Garry,
We fondly remember your family from our days at RCS, and are very deeply saddened to learn of Elizabeth’s passing. We are sending our prayers and deepest condolences to your family at this very difficult time.
Oh, Jen. I don’t even know what to say. I am grieved beyond words for you and your family. The only peace I can even fathom is her current place at the Banquet in the arms of Jesus but the emptiness on earth is larger than can be expressed. Know that I am in prayer for you and your family tomorrow and in all the days to come.
Dear Mahan Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear this news. May God’s grace and comfort be with your family.
I had the pleasure of teaching English to both Liz and Collin during their 9th grade year. Liz was a sunshine in our classroom, and I am left with the fondest memories of her smile and sense of humor. I was so saddened to hear of this tremendous loss. I had Collin the year my mom and stepdad passed away tragically– and I know with certainty that the Mahan family positivity, strength, and support helped me get through those challenging times– Liz and Collin have forever touched my life. Liz has left such a legacy that I know her siblings and parents will continue to carry on. I was blessed to have gotten to know her and teach her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
To the Mahan Family.
Many tears will be shed and hearts will ache, but everyone around you knows of the enduring love you have for your daughter/sister/friend.
The Bojes
Jen,
The last time I saw Elizabeth, was when you and she were in Panera. She had come to town to surprise you and Garry. The smiles on both your faces was priceless. It was so apparent that she was a huge light in your lives. It was so lovely to get a chance to catch up with both of you. My heart aches for your sadness. May God wrap his loving arms around your family and give you peace that only he can.
So very sorry to hear the new of Liz’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve the loss of someone so special. Liz was alway one to laugh on the volleyball court, she was a fierce competitor but was kind to all. Wishing you all peace.
We are truly sadden to receive this news. Our daughter Kimberly was blessed to have Liz in her life as a friend.
Steve and Donna Sacheli
So deeply sorry you have to go through a heartbreak like this. Sharing in your sorrow and keeping your family in our most caring prayers.
To the Mahan Family… We are filled with sadness to know that you must endure heartbreak like this. We are sharing in your sorrow, and keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
It is has been years since I was in your house and saw your family, but even now I remember how much fun and loving you all were. I am so sorry for you loss and I wish you all find the love and comfort of your family now. God Bless.
I am so sorry for your loss
I am so sorry foe your loss
My deepest condolences, will keep all of you in my prayers.
My heart breaks for your family. Liz’s smile, sense of humor, and personality made her a welcome presence at every practice and a person you looked forward to being around. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jen and family, we are so saddened to hear of your loss. We have many good memories Of Liz, when she and Abby were in Scouts together years ago. She was a sweet sweet child and from what I read grew up to be a beautiful, compassionate, hard working And sweet sweet soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult sad sad time. God Bless you all.
Our deepest condolences to you, Jen and the boys. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
John, Amy, Morgan and Connor
Liz and I didn’t keep in touch after high school, but I was deeply saddened to hear of this loss and will always remember her kindness, light, positivity, and artistic nature. She was a wonderful presence to those of us lucky enough to know her even for a short time. Wishing the Mahan family healing.
My deepest condolences, My thoughts and prayers are with you
I am so very sorry for your the loss to you and the rest of your family. You are all in my prayers.
My deepest condolences for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Wishing the Mahan family strength and peace.
Always with a smile and positive attitude – only worked with her for a short time at Cisco but made a huge impact. My heart goes out to family and friends for your loss – way too soon and too young – sending you lots of energy to help make the coming days just a little bit easier.
I remember visiting your house when I was classmates with Josh in high school. Your family was always very warm and welcoming. It was clear that you all were exceptionally close and that your household was filled with love. Liz was a true ray of sunshine. I am heartbroken to learn you lost a member of your very special family. Sending lots of love and prayers to you all.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter, Garry! My condolences go out to you and your family. Sending prayers and love your way <3