Elizabeth Emma "Liz" Kane

1948 - 2024

Elizabeth "Liz" Emma Kane

March 15, 1948 - December 26, 2024

Elizabeth "Liz" Emma Kane, age 76, of Surprise, Ariz. (formerly of Madison and Janesville, Wis.), passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, at her daughter's home on Thursday, December 26, 2024. She was born in Madison, Wis. on March 15, 1948, the daughter of Charles Barton and Grace M. (McGinley) Barton. Liz was a 1966 River Valley High School graduate in Spring Green, Wis. She was a proud Blackhawk and always looked forward to reconnecting with classmates at homecoming and class reunions.

As a full-time working student, Liz earned her undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She built her career in education with the Janesville School District, Plymouth School District, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Liz was also an active Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WOW) member. After 46 years dedicated to education at the district and state levels, Liz retired in June 2014.

Liz's retirement was prompted by the birth of her grandson, Benjamin. Liz knew we had limited time with Ben and it was important to her to make the most of that time we were granted. Liz cherished this time to be with both grandkids. Her favorite stories to share were about Charlotte and Liz's driving trips from Wisconsin to North Carolina.

After many years of being a Wisconsin snowbird, Liz relocated to Arizona, where she thoroughly enjoyed her retirement. She quickly became part of a close-knit group of friends who weathered COVID and fully supported each other through life's ups and downs. Liz also took full advantage of the warm climate by hiking and was active in her community's pickleball, golf, and art clubs. She loved to travel, with her favorite trip being a recent vacation with her family through Ireland, a place she loved for its connection to her McGinley family. Liz also enjoyed visiting casinos, where she delighted in the entertainment of the slot machines, especially when she was ahead.

Liz led her life with a successful mindset and saw that trait passed onto her daughters. She took great joy in their achievements and the lives they built for themselves. Liz's confidence allowed her to challenge herself; a new job, continuing her education, complex quilting projects, pickleball, or moving cross-country! This lesson will stay with her family and friends, we all can get uncomfortable and succeed.

Liz is survived by her daughters, Amanda (Todd) Cullen and Meaghun (Jonathan) Darab; granddaughter, Charlotte Darab of Hillsborough, N.C.; her siblings, Margaret "Peg" (Jerry) Sprecher of Spring Green, Brent (Jeffrey Clair) Nielson of Chicago, Ill. and Jodi (Troy) (nee Gritzmacher) Nolden of Prairie du Sac; and numerous extended family members and close friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles Barton and Grace (McGinley) Barton; her grandson, Benjamin Kane Darab; and former spouse John "Jim" Kane of Janesville, Wis.

A celebration of Liz's life will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at The Banquet Room at Harley-Davidson of Madison, 6200 Millpond Road, Madison, Wis. 53718, at 11 a.m. In place of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her honor to "Kids Path-Burlington, NC" found at: authoracare.org/give. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting her family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.