Elizabeth (Lavery) Taylor

Elizabeth Lavery Taylor, beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024 at the age of 90. Born on January 5, 1934, in Poughkeepsie, NY, to Emmet and Genevieve Lavery, Liz led a life filled with love, fun, ice cream and family. Liz was known for her vibrant and inviting personality - a wonderful blend of warmth, spunk, and playful humor that made everyone feel like family. As a life-long Los Angeleno, Liz built a circle of close friends from University High School, UCLA - (a die hard Bruins fan), Delta Gamma Sorority, the Volunteer League of San Fernando Valley, Lakeside Country Club and the host of other activities that come with raising three children.Those who knew her best treasured their conversations with Liz over iced tea, where her wit and wisdom flowed freely, as she shared stories and laughter. At the heart of Liz's world was her family, who brought her immeasurable joy and pride. Her 57-year marriage to Steve was, in the words of the necklace she wore every day, "Fun-Filled." Together, they created a warm and welcoming home in Sherman Oaks, California, where they raised their three children - Katie, Jenny, and Chal. But it was perhaps in her role as "Mima" that Liz truly sparkled brightest. Her 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren were the crown jewels of her life, and she took immense delight in being their biggest cheerleader. Distance was no match for Mima's love - she regularly traveled from coast to coast, ensuring she remained a vital presence in their lives. Her legendary Camp Taylor reunions at the family home in Sherman Oaks became treasured traditions. Liz’s love lives on through her children Katie Oxnard (Hugh), Jenny Litzow (Steve), and Chal Taylor (Kathy); her beloved grandchildren Kelsey, Katelyn, Caroline, Charlotte, Kristina, Elizabeth, Peter, Margaret, Michael, David, Erin, and Philip; and her precious great-grandchildren Ingrid, Liesel, Genevieve, and Libby. She joins her parents, Emmet and Genevieve Lavery, and her brother, Emmet Lavery, Jr., in eternal peace. Liz will be buried at Forest Lawn in Los Angeles next to her husband, Steve, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Elizabeth Taylor's name to the UCLA Alumni Scholarships General Fund. Direct link: https://giving.ucla.edu/ElizabethTaylor'56/ Or mail donations to The UCLA Foundation, PO Box 7145, Pasadena, CA 91109-7145 (include in the memo line the following: Alumni Scholarships General Fund- 30019R, ME- 47021).