Elizabeth Ann Tillery (March 29, 1960 - August 20, 2007)
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Elizabeth Ann Tillery
Elizabeth Ann “ET” Tillery, age 47, Baldwinsville, NY

So then, beach, bluff and wave, farewell!
I bear with me
No token stone nor glittering shell,
But long and oft shall Memory tell
Of this brief thoughtful hour of musing by the sea.

- John Greenleaf Whittier, from the poem Hampton Beach

At 2:45 am on Monday, August 20, 2007, we bade farewell to a dear friend, a loving mother and cherished sister. ET endured her painful illness with a strength and grace that inspires us all.

Elizabeth’s journey began in Hampton, NH on March 29, 1960. She paused in Haverhill, Ma. and Alexandria, Va., resting finally in Baldwinsville, NY. Her path has touched the lives of so many, and she leaves an enduring legacy in her children, and in the loving memory of all who knew her. Although our lives will never be the same, her touch has set us all on a better course.

ET is survived by her children, Rachael Tillery, Aaron Tillery, Brandon Smith and Austin Smith, all of Baldwinsville, NY; mother Marion Chandler, Baldwinsville, NY; sisters Patricia Nelson, Sanford, Me. and Jody Chandler, Maynard, Ma.; brothers Robert Chandler, Great Mills, Md., James Chandler, Highland, Md., and Michael Chandler, Portland, Or.; fiancé Michael Smith, Baldwinsville, NY.; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and countless friends and colleagues.

Elizabeth, in life you taught us the value of kindness, honesty and humility. In your passing you teach us the beauty of strength and grace. May we all live our lives with the kindness that you’ve shown us, and leave this earth with the grace that you have borne. Ever present in all our hearts, you will be long missed, never forgotten, always cherished.

Services will be held at 12:00 on Monday, August 27, at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church, 47 Syracuse Street, Baldwinsville, NY, with interment at Riverview Cemetery, Baldwinsville. Following interment, a reception for family and friends will be held at St. Mary’s, followed by a gathering at ET’s home in Baldwinsville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Palliative Care Unit of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY, or to Hospice Care of Central New York.


Messages of Sympathy: (Post a message)
Scott Boerckel - East Moline, IL
 
I was deeply saddened to learn of Elizabeth's death. She attended our international church in La Paz, Bolivia. I will not forget the commitment that she had to God and to her children. If anyone is still reading these posts, please know that Elizabeth's former pastor is praying for God's peace and comfort to rest upon her whole family.

Scott Boerckel
Wednesday February 27th, 2008
Ginette Lane - Palm Bay, Florida
 
I am very sorry about your loss. I found this little poem to express my feelings.
Our days on earth may seem as delicate and brief as the petals and the fragrance of a rose
but the beauty of the spirit only grows through times of grief
where the eternal stream of Love and memory flows.
My deepest sympathy, with Love to the family.
Sunday August 26th, 2007
Cynthia DeRubertis (Mike's sister) - Ballston Spa, NY; formally of Baldwinsville
 
A Muse you were... With your slender athletic body, full flowing red hair and a smile that makes the sun bashful, you came into my brother's life. Your natural beauty, energetic spirit, and soothing voice swept him away. You lured him into a life of healthy living, love without boundries, and a sense of humor that helps to heal all ills. He deserved you. He is a good man that knew he had a good woman and would do anything to please her. He was so excited when he was at my house just before the Christmas you were engaged as he described some of his "secret present plans". You cared for his children with as much love as he has for them and above all, you were an extreme model of what a good woman should be. When ever we came to visit, your hospitality was as warm and inviting as the smell of freshly popped popcorn and sharing a warm blanket on the couch with a family member. My young children adored you, and although they may not be able to verbalize it, they thought you were a nice lady. Although your illness changed your physical appearance we all admired how you embraced it gracefully, with class and a little "va-voom".
When you passed I envsioned your beautiful hair returning and your body transitioning back to the way you always worked so hard for it to look. You reluctantly said good-bye to Michael and all of your children but smiled at them... letting them know that you will always be just a whisper away.
Thursday August 23rd, 2007
Patty Lauricella - Fulton, NY
 
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayer are with all of you. I know Elizabeth from Upstate Chiropractic, She always had a wonderful smile on her face when she would come into the office. Even in her tough times she was so positive. I will miss her very much!
Thursday August 23rd, 2007
Jennifer (Colvin) Retzbach - North Syracuse, NY
 
Words cannot express the sorrow I am feeling as I learn of dear Elizabeth's passing. I first met her when I was 10 years old and my family built a house on the property next to her home on Connors Road in Baldwinsville. Elizabeth and I grew close as I grew up first dogsitting for her and then babysitting when Aaron and Rachael came along. She was a source of strength for me. She was a mentor and a "big sister". Always there for me when I needed to talk and felt I couldn't talk to anyone else. Such a beautiful person inside and out. She will be dearly missed. I'm sad to say I did not know Elizabeth was ill, but that is the type of woman she was...she wouldn't ever want to do anything to upset anyone else. I will always remember her for her caring, generous nature, her beautiful smile and her warm hugs. My heart goes out to all of her family, but especially Aaron and Rachael. I love you both very much. I know Elizabeth is now happy and well in the arms of Jesus. I'm sure she's looking down on us smiling as she's getting ready to go for a run through the clouds in heaven. I will always miss this amazing woman who helped shape who I am today. I love you Elizabeth. God Bless you.
Wednesday August 22nd, 2007
Karen Weeden - Baldwinsville, NY
 
To The Family of Elizabeth Tillery:
What a beautiful person Elizabeth was...on the inside as well as the outside. Her red hair, freckles, big smile and enthusiasm for life and her family will long be remembered.
You're in my thoghts and prayers.
Karen Weeden
Wednesday August 22nd, 2007
jim chandler - highland, md
 
There are no words to describe the loss of such a beautiful person. Elizabeth made such a positive impact on everything and everyone. Through hard work and determination, love and kindness, she and Michael built a beautiful family together.

Michael, Aaron, Brandon, Rachael and Austin, I am so sorry for your loss. How fortunate you are to have been so loved these many years. I take comfort in knowing that, as you pick yourselves up and try to move forward, all that you do - how you handle life's ups and downs, accomplishments and defeats, joy and anguish - you will carry a part of Elizabeth with you. All of her beautiful qualities are inside of you, and in that sense, she has never left us.

I love you all.
--uncle jimmy
Wednesday August 22nd, 2007
Mickey Jones - Pennellville, NY
 
I am so sorry we have lost Elizabeth. She will be missed so much, loved and always remembered in our hearts.
She was such a special person.

God Bless you all..

Mickey Jones
Tuesday August 21st, 2007