Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Elizabeth Schrader Obituary
born in Durango, Colorado, and resident of Phoenix, passed away March 9, 2011. Peacefully surrounded by her loving family, she departed this world after a six year battle with cancer. Liz is survived by her two daughters, Emily Rose, Anna Katherine and son Daniel Jay; husband Michael Jay Schrader; mother, Eileen Rose Brown; brothers, Charles Percy Brown, Patrick Earl Brown and David Edward Brown; family and friends. Preceded in death by her father, John David Brown. Elizabeth was raised in both Durango, Colorado where she was Durango Junior Miss in 1981 and Boulder City, Nevada and attended Fort Lewis College and earned her graduate degree in accounting at Arizona State University where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Elizabeth went on to earn her Masters Degree at Pepperdine University with the Presidential/Key executive program. After her graduation from ASU, Liz was hired by Arthur Andersen as a strategic planning and operational improvement consultant. Elizabeth was quickly hired by United Drugs in 1995. She has served as the Vice President of Operations and Finance and, most recently, President throughout her fifteen year career. Elizabeth served on the Susan G. Komen and John C. Lincoln board of directors. Elizabeth was involved in many volunteer activities with her family. Liz was always active competing in marathons and hiking 14k mountain tops in Colorado. Above all, Elizabeth's true devotion was to her family. She married Michael of Del Norte, Colorado and enjoyed traveling to Europe, Mexico, Alaska and numerous United States cities. Her favorite memories were always with her family camping or enjoying their cabin at Electra Lake, Colorado. Never to complain or have self-pity Elizabeth lived her life with abandon and had the vision to experience life to the fullest with her family. Respected and appreciated by her colleagues at United Drugs; active in her faith community at Saint Francis Xavier Elizabeth celebrated life. Liz involved her entire family in numerous charities including building homes in Mexico and the Navajo Reservations, Andre House, fundraisers for charity races, adopting families for Christmas, St. Mary's Food Bank, and adopted five dogs at the Francis Festival. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00pm, with a Rosary at 3:30pm Sunday, March 13 at the Franciscan Renewal Center. Funeral Service will be at 10:00am, Monday, March 14, at Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ. Interment will take place at 10:00am, Tuesday, March 15, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Schrader
Sponsored by Charlie .
Charlie
March 5, 2025
Think about you every day Liz. Love, Char
Bridget Brown
March 8, 2021
Miss you dearly auntie.
February 26, 2020
Love you Liz
Charlie Brown
March 6, 2019
Not a day goes by dear Liz that we don't all think about you. Thanks for hearing our prayers and looking over us. We love you.
Charlie
Clarence Lea
April 4, 2011
Liz - I so enjoyed getting to know you through business but even more so becoming true friends. I am so glad that you were a part of my life experience and wish you eternal peace. Paix - Dr C
David Post
March 28, 2011
I knew Liz only through work and ever too briefly. She was an incredible woman, a quiet yet intelligent leader, who carried a bright torch with her all the time. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
March 14, 2011
I still remember Liz as a mischeivous, funny 17-year-old, always ready for an adventure, and ready to create one if none was available. What a beautiful life she has built, with a beautiful family. God bless you all at this time. Warmest regards - Giulia Miller Urquhart
Kay Rosen
March 14, 2011
Our sincere condolences to Elizabeth's family and friends, from Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business and Management.
marco davison
March 14, 2011
My condolences.
Roxie Fager
March 14, 2011
Michael, Emily, Anna, Daniel & Eileen, I wish to express my deepest sorrow & sympathy to you in loosing Liz. What a herione she was as her Mother called her one. Our prayers & love are with you thru this trying time. May the Lord Bless & keep you. A. Roxie
Roxie Fager
March 14, 2011
Michael, Emily, Daniel, Anna & Eileen how my heart goes out to you with sorrow & sympathy. She certainly was the true herione her Mother called her. She truly was an extraordinary lady that I am sure will be missed sovery much. Please know of our love & prayers. A. Roxie & family
Pam Giannonatti
March 13, 2011
Liz was an inspiration to us all. I am honored and blessed to have the pleasure to sit on the Komen board with her and get to know her better. She was an amazing person, who loved her family deeply. She has left her determination and passion footprint with many. Sending thoughts and prayers from my family to yours. Pam Giannonatti
Robert Vera
March 13, 2011
On Wednesday March 9, 2011, I learned that my hero, Elizabeth Schrader died. Liz was a wife, mother, sister, daughter, marathoner, hiker, triathlete, MBA, CPA, President, Volunteer, friend and my constant inspiration.
The news of her passing was heart breaking. I met Elizabeth Schrader in June of 2006. At that time she confided in me her goal; “If I lived, I told myself I would run a marathon.” She had survived cancer and redemption would now come at the end 26.2 miles of her self propelled journey. I felt honored and privileged to join her on this journey as her coach. The marathon was really just a metaphor for how Liz would now live her life. She would now simply outpace the cancer that stalked her. Her stalker provoked one of the most highly motivated persons that I have ever known into a daily training routine of a focused professional athlete. I knew that the leftover scars from her recent cancer surgery made her training, at times, painful. She accepted the pain as part of the process and relished the journey, never missing a day. The challenge of a marathon is not really the 26.2 miles, rather it is the daily discipline of a lifestyle, the training runs, the nutrition, and the recovery. For those, like Liz, who have the resolve and courage to prepare, the result is a forgone conclusion. On August 20, 2006, Liz completed her first 13.1 mile half marathon. She then went on to complete, full marathons and multiple triathlons. Each finish represented deliverance from the cancer that stalked her.
We spoke often about life, cancer, adventures. Last April, Liz came to meet a friend speaking about his attempt at redemption. He was a Navy SEAL that had been shot 27 times on a mission in Iraq and was preparing to climb Mt. Rainier. After the talk, I told him about Liz, he was moved and paused for a long while after which he said; "Wow, what a butt-kicker, I'm glad she's on our side." (He actually used a descriptive Navy SEAL version of butt-Kicker). I mention this to Liz and she enjoyed the compliment.
This past January, Liz and I met for lunch. She was stoic when she told me that cancer was going to kill her, she just did not know when. There was no fear in her voice, the cancer had again taken her hair and 20 pounds off her already lean frame. I always knew that Elizabeth Schrader was the real deal, a true warrior, but she just looked me straight in the eyes with a combination of love, dignity and heroism and told me that her wound was mortal and that her concern is not for herself but rather for her family. I choked back my tears and asked about her Grand Canyon hike. Liz told me that she had planned to do a family hike in the fall but she was too sick. We resolved that we would all go the first weekend in June. I love the Grand Canyon, it is my favorite place in world. I get lost in her vastness; the canyon is over 1.8 billion years old which calibrates my importance and existence on this earth. Liz would have loved the challenge of crossing the canyon. As planned, we will still cross the Canyon together, I will talk with her along the way, show her Ribbon Falls and the North Rim.
Wednesday March 9, 2011, the day Liz passed was Ash Wednesday. In the Catholic tradition ashes are applied as a cross to the forehead as a reminder “that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return.” Elizabeth Schrader spread her dust on everyone she met. Her motivation, love and drive were infectious. She showed us how to live with dignity, courage, compassion and love.
I am heart broken by her passing and proud to have known her and called her my friend.
Krista Ackerman
March 13, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Liz! I did not know her very well but she was always nice to me. She had a beautiful heart! She is in gods arms safe from pain now.She is an angel watching over all her loved ones!
Teresa Ferrin
March 12, 2011
Dear Charlie and family,
As I read about Liz, I can tell your sister was an amazing and beautiful woman. May the memories of Liz and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. All my love.
Her light blended with courage and grace will forever illuminate our lives ~
Luana Webb
March 12, 2011
I followed Liz as I follow Charlie and Arasely. Liz's smile is as wide as the arms of Christ ~ Thank you for sharing her with me. She has left an impression of light, grace and courage upon me, as I will share these gifts with others ~
Juli Roundy
March 11, 2011
Liz was a true champion and inspiration to all. A heart of gold. I remember her as being very kind and sweet as a team mate and friend and lots of fun on the bus rides! She always made me feel included and comfortable being one of the under classmen on the team. Thank you Liz for your example of how life should be lived. You are a true mentor.
Adolfo Gomez
March 11, 2011
Liz, I am new on facebook and I was just looking at it for the first time and I noticed your name and family's names. I am deeply sorry to hear about this. I graduated high school with you in 1981 in Boulder City. You may have never known this, but I had a crush on you throughout high school because of your beauty, but truly because of what I saw in your heart. After reading your obituary I can see I was right about your heart. The impact you have left will live on in the hearts of all you came in contact with. I want to send my condolences to her family both those I know and those I don't know and I want to tell her children that your mother was a great women whose spirit,love, and compassion will continue to be by your side as you grow and will live in your hearts forever. Liz, in your closer walks with God now, ask my brother Angel to walk with you as he joined God in November of 2009 from cancer also. Keep an eye on us all and save us a place in heaven. God bless
Roxanne Dey
March 11, 2011
Liz was part of an amazing, loving and spiritual family. Her spirit will live on in those who loved her. Prayers for peace go out to all the Browns and Schraders.
With much love,
The Coniglios and the Deys
Kara Averhoff
March 11, 2011
I will miss your smiling face and optimistic view on life. You are for ever in my heart and memories as that time we went to lunch that summer in Durango. Love you.
Arasely Rios
March 11, 2011
Liz, your strength I will never forget. Your smile will never dim from my memory. Thank you for welcoming me into your life and family. I wish you'd join me on my next hike up squaw peak. I will do so in honor of your life...walk beside me and fly when we get to the mountain top. Love you.
Patrick Brown
March 11, 2011
Your bright eyes are now lighting up Heaven. The way you chose to live your life is an amazing example of love, courage and grace. Rest well my Sister.
Luisa Salcedo
March 11, 2011
I had the privilege of meeting Liz through the Phoenix Komen Board. She was an inspiration to all of us, with a strong presence and fighting spirit, that helped moved forward the fight against breast cancer mission. She will be sorely missed by all of us.
Our thoughts are with Liz' family and friends.
Denise McClain
March 11, 2011
Liz was an amazing woman! I feel so blessed that I got to know her and work with her on the Komen Board. One particular wonderful time I enjoyed with Liz was spending an afternoon at a Cardinals football game with her and Daniel (she was so proud of her kids):) I will miss her dearly. I pray for God's peace for her entire family and everyone who loved her.
Lisa Westbrook
March 11, 2011
Liz was very much respected in the healthcare industry. She was not only a inspirational businesswoman but someone that I truly admired. She will be missed.
charlie brown
March 11, 2011
Dear Liz, You lived with dignity and grace and surrounded all of us with vision and adventure. You are now with Dad and you two are powerful prayer angels for all of us. I love you LIZ.
Ted Skowron
March 11, 2011
God has received a wonderful soul.
Charlie Brown
March 11, 2011
Liz, you lived with such dignity and grace, a wonderful combination. You taught me how to pay attention to detail and enjoy the moment. We had so many family fun times that we all treasure. I know you are basking in the Light with Dad and watching over all of us. I love you so Liz. Char
Brophy Crew
March 11, 2011
Daniel and the entire Schrader Family,
Brophy Crew has you in their thoughts and prayers! Your mom was an amazing lady!
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in Elizabeth Schrader's name
Memorial Events
for Elizabeth Schrader
How to support Elizabeth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Elizabeth Schrader's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
