Wellsville, NY - Elizabeth W. Heywood, 91, of Wellsville, N.Y. passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 19, 2016. She was born May 27, 1924 in Gary, Indiana, the daughter of Jonah and Cora (Heeter) Williams. On July 26, 1947 in Gary she married Robert E. Heywood who predeceased her on September 16, 2006.
“Liz” was a graduate of Earlham College in Indiana, were she was quite popular and named “Queen of the May”! She did her graduate studies at the University of Illinois and Alfred University.
She was employed as a reading teacher for the Wellsville Middle School for many years; retiring in 1986. Before being hired on a permanent basis by the Wellsville School District, Liz frequently substituted, to the horror of her daughters who were sometimes in those classes. She was also an officer for the local teachers union and for the American Association of University Woman. Some of her most challenging students grew up to admire her strength and skills as a teacher.
Liz traveled extensively with husband Bob before his death. And while she enjoyed seeing new places, learning about the history and culture of other civilizations, she still craved for a cup of coffee or french fries from McDonalds and loved home the most.
Liz and Bob were perhaps the best parents in the world, teaching their children and grandchildren the qualities of honesty, integrity, graciousness, hard work and compassion.
Liz was fiercely independent, private, modest and maintained her wonderful sense of humor to her final days.
She is survived by three daughters, Susan Heywood, Nancy Heywood, and Joanna Heywood Heller, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, her dear friend Bette Robarts and her bridge buddies. She was predeceased in addition to her husband, by a brother, Allen Williams and sister, Joan Williams.
A private memorial is being planned for a later date. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the David A. Howe Public Library or Jones Memorial Hospital. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.