Elizabeth Ann Juerling

JUERLING, Elizabeth Ann "Liz," 74, passed away October 4, 2011 at home in Miami, following a brave battle with leukemia. A 54-year resident of Miami, Elizabeth Juerling left a lasting impact on this community. Born and raised in Richmond, IN, she was the beloved only child of Dolores and Vincent C. Juerling of Richmond, both of whom predeceased her. After attending Colorado Women's College, Elizabeth moved to Miami and graduated from the University of Miami in 1959, with a major in elementary education. She later earned her MA at Nova University. Elizabeth used her education and her true love of reading to guide the lives of thousands of children at North Glade, Carol City, Blue Lakes, and Kendale Elementary Schools, where she created the Media Specialist position, one of the first in the county. While at Kendale, she was recognized as "Teacher of the Year." After her retirement from the school system, Elizabeth chose to pursue her interest in helping women, through Soroptimist International, serving that organization in several capacities, including three years as President of the Coral Gables Soroptimist Club. Her interest in history led her to join The Villagers, Inc., the oldest organization dedicated to the preservation, appreciation, and restoration of historic sites. Over a span of ten years, Elizabeth was an Active member and served a number of leadership positions within that organization, including Communications, House Tour and Membership Chair, First Vice President, and President (2 years). She was a member of the Women's History Coalition, and served as Corresponding Secretary. In addition, she has been a member of the Dade Heritage Trust, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1000 Friends of Florida, The Miami Women's Club, the Coconut Grove Women's Club, and the Pioneers/Natives of Dade. Although she was extremely proud of her community service, her love for her daughters and grandchildren was her greatest pride and joy. She was a proud mother and grandmother. Elizabeth Juerling is survived by two wonderful daughters who were the loves of her life, Deanna Dolores Rasco (Guy), and Melanie Ann Morales (Alex). Liz was blessed with four intelligent, spunky, and adoring grandchildren: grandson Cameron Austin Rasco, and granddaughters Alexandra Marie, Carolina Nicole, and Isabella Sofia Morales. She spent many hours sharing her passion for reading, art, and history with her grandchildren. Not only will Elizabeth be missed by her family, but also by her many friends in Florida, Indiana, Ohio, California, and across the country. She was a force larger than life. The viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 from 6-9 pm at Stanfill Funeral Home, 10545 South Dixie Hwy, Miami, 33156. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, October 6, at 4:00 pm at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7270 SW 120 Street. In lieu of flowers, a tax-deductible donation toward a scholarship in the memory of Elizabeth Ann Juerling may be made to to The Villagers, Inc., P.O. Box 141843, Coral Gables, FL 33114-1843.