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Elizabeth Tornquist Obituary
Durham
Elizabeth Muse Tornquist passed away unexpectedly January 30, 2016. Elizabeth Muse was born in Wilson, NC on January 14, 1933 while her father was on the tobacco market. She grew up in Williamston with her large family.
In 1950, Elizabeth came to Duke on an AB Duke scholarship. She graduated in the class of 1954. After several years of travel, she made her home in Durham with her daughter.
Elizabeth was a renaissance woman – newspaper writer, grant writer, editor, small business owner and consultant. All the while being a single parent and, later, a totally hands-on grandmother. Elizabeth loved to read, she loved her friends and family. SHE LOVED.
Elizabeth is survived by her beloved daughter, Amy Tornquist (Jeremy Kerman); her devoted granddaughters, Lizzie and Katie; her brother Joel (Lindy) Muse; a large extended family and dozens of close friends who are all devastated by her passing.
Friends will be received 5-8 PM Tuesday at Elizabeth's home, 2740 Dogwood Drive, Durham. Her funeral will be 11:00 AM Wednesday from the Church of the Advent in Williamston. Memorial gifts may be made to Durham Academy scholarship fund, where Elizabeth was glad to say her grandchildren went to school. Arrangements are with Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online memorials, hallwynne.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Tornquist
David Attarian
February 28, 2016
Elizabeth was incredible in so many ways- it was my privilege to have met her. Our thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
John Bellquist
February 24, 2016
As an editor privileged to learn from Elizabeth in person, I found her to be an brilliant mentor and a remarkable, wonderful person. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Grayce Sills
February 18, 2016
GrShe was a very good friend to my very good friend the late Joanne Hall. I saw her care of friends to be one of her outstanding characteristics. A beautiful life well lived.
Ann Hamric
February 18, 2016
I participated in a research project in the 1970s, with Elizabeth as a consultant. She edited the first real manuscript I ever wrote. I got a great laugh when she returned it to me with a green stain that smelled like creme de menthe! She said her cat knocked over her glass on my paper. I kept that paper for years because it was some of the best editing I ever received, and that paper was the first I published. When she came years later to work with folks at UVA, I always tried to see her. Your mother was a very special and fun lady, Amy. My prayers are with you and your family on this great loss.
Laureen Froimson
February 6, 2016
I had the pleasure of having Elizabeth critique my masters research paper at UNC Nursing School. I graduated there in 1974.
She was a kind, knowledgable woman. I notified Joyce Semradek and my classmates of the sad news of her death.
Helen Farrar
February 5, 2016
Nurse researchers have benefited tremendously from her support and encouragement, especially of new authors. I feel very lucky to have been able to get to meet and work with her.
Karen Tourian
February 4, 2016
Amy- so sorry to hear of your mother's death. She was a very cool lady and I have very fond memories of spending time at your house with both of you.
Laura Talbot
February 4, 2016
Please accept my deepest condolences. Elizabeth was a wise and wonderful friend, editor and mentor. I called her my good luck charm when it came to grants. She was encouraging, caring and a motivating. She will be deeply missed.
February 4, 2016
Amy and family, I was so sad to hear of your mom's death. I knew ET (as she was known to many colleagues and friends) for many years. She was such a terrific role model; always up beat, energetic, and positive.I admired her very much. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Fond regards, Lienne
February 4, 2016
How I longed to be with my family! Jane Trowbridge
Randeen Cordier
February 3, 2016
As a master's prepared nurse from UNC-CH, I am thankful to this day for the privilege of having taken her class on writing for publication. She was a phenomenal instructor and inspired us all. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Diane McKay
February 3, 2016
I'm so grateful that I met ET through mutual friends. Generous, fiercely intelligent, compassionate, truthful, and funny as hell (how I loved her swearing--made me feel so much better about my own). I can't believe I won't have the opportunity to dine with her again, or to enjoy a gin and tonic while talking politics. Will be thinking of her a lot come November. Sending much love to her family, especially to Amy, as they cope with a monumental loss. Your mom was one hell of a woman.
Elizabeth Jesse
February 3, 2016
Amy and Jeremy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. She went so suddenly! ET was one the most significant persons in my career- she helped me so much for 12 years while at ECU-manuscripts, grants, & life! She always asked about my family, especially about my son who has a mental illness. She encouraged me. Write about it! I will always treasure my times with her. She was smart, funny, caring but tough and so authentic. I loved her and will miss her so much.
Becky Patterson
February 3, 2016
I had the honor of meeting Elizabeth when I was my 20's and in the UNC-Chapel Hill MSN program (1972-1974). She came to work there during my second year and she helped all of us with writing/editing our work. She was such a blessing to us and many others over the years. She had the unique talent of being able to work with writers of all levels and make each of us feel that "I can do this". I continued to have the pleasure of her company many times over the years -at UNC Greensboro till most recently at UAMS in Little Rock. When she came to LR, we most always went to dinner. I always looked forward to my time with her. I will miss her mentoring, her laughter, and most of all her company and friendship. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Jenny Erausquin
February 3, 2016
A passionate woman I was proud to have met and spent time with. My heart goes out to Amy and her daughters, especially.
Nancy Tuttle
February 3, 2016
Liz was a great friend to me in the 70's. Loved how she lived her life..
cherish your memories, Amy.
Lori Thomas
February 3, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of Elizabeth's passing. I still show the first manuscript she edited for me to my students as we discuss the process of writing. And I still draw on the many lessons beyond writing that she taught me every time we sat down together. What a beautiful, inspiring life that will live on in so many people.
Diana Rowan
February 3, 2016
ET -- Thanks for the 8 years of editing assistance you gave me. You and your sharpened pencil cannot be replaced! You are a woman who managed to combine competent elegance with brash honest talk, often involving well placed cussing. :) You taught me "economy of words" and every time I use "thus" or "nevertheless" I will happily think of you.
With respect and fondness,
Dr. Diana Rowan - School of Social Work, UNC Charlotte
John Brion
February 2, 2016
What a wonderful person, the world will miss her whit and charm!
Nancy SHort
February 2, 2016
For my husband and me, ET was a force of nature. She is the reason I applied to the DrPH program at UNC. She is the reason I cannot abide the use of "utilize" and "due to the fact" in student writing. YAY ET! I hold her in my mind's eye as the image of "How to age." Jim knew ET through his Let Jim Do It projects for her and for Amy. He and I wish Amy, Jeremy and their girls the comfort of knowing that ET will be long remembered with affection.
Tammy G. Armstrong-Vann
February 2, 2016
Many words of comfort will be given to you at this time, but I leave you with a thought: Sorrow is a fruit. God does not make it grow on limbs too weak to bear it'.
Linda Goodwin
February 2, 2016
So sad to hear that ET has passed. She was an inspiration and mentor to me and so many others. Peace and courage to all who loved her, and especially her family. May her lingering humor and warm memories help you through the difficult days ahead.
Marychristiana Uzochukwu
February 2, 2016
Thank you Elizabeth for all your help in editing my manuscripts for publication. I have found appropriate journals for the three articles that you helped me prepare. It was a great honor to have known you. I will forever remember and appreciate your help! May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace!
Roxanne Wilson
February 2, 2016
I met Elizabeth when she taught a class on grant writing at the University of North Dakota. I then hired her to come to St. Cloud, MN many times to teach staff RNs how to write and publish. She had an ability to connect with nurses from all walks of practice. She was a true friend. Her emails and text messages were treasures. We always went out for a meal and discussed the state of the world and politics. She was witty, wise and joyful. I am so sad to hear of her death. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jesus Hernandez
February 2, 2016
Elizabeth greatly helped me improve my manuscript, she was gracious and brilliant; she will missed by all the nurses she helped become better writers.
Mark Pinsky
February 1, 2016
Elizabeth was a great friend, an inspiration and a supporter. From the first time I met her, in my early 20s, she was someone I looked up to. She never lost her perspective about politics and life, and she never gave up on the struggle. And what a laugh!
Julie Barroso
February 1, 2016
I would never have received a penny of grant money without ET. She edited every grant I submitted at both UNC-CH and Duke. What a loss. She understood nursing and what we do better than some nurses. She was loved and she will be missed.
Tammy Bonds
February 1, 2016
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother and grandmother. She seemed so talented in her multiple skills. May you continue to be comforted from our God who provides peace and comfort to us. 2 Cor. 1: 3-6.
Angela Green
February 1, 2016
I am grateful for Elizabeth's life and legacy. I treasured her visits to Arkansas and the opportunity to learn from her. She was a kind and straight talking mentor who made a difference for me.
Tama Morris
February 1, 2016
The faculty of Queens University of Charlotte are saddened to hear of the loss of Elizabeth Tornquist. She encouraged and inspired us. She will be truly missed.
Presbyterian School of Nursing
Queens University of Charlotte
Tama Morris
February 1, 2016
The Faculty of Queens University of Charlotte will always treasure our time with Elizabeth Tornquist. She mentored and inspired us. She will be missed.
Presbyterian School of Nursing
Queens University of Charlotte
Tama Morris
February 1, 2016
Elizabeth was an enthusiastic woman who inspired so many. I am honored to have known her and will miss her dearly.
Tommie Norris
February 1, 2016
Since learning of the passing of E.T., I have spent time thinking about some of the fun times shared with her. I fondly remember her speaking without the need for any notes-why would she need notes-she wrote the book. Her encouragement will always be remembered, she was truly one of a kind and will be missed.
Kirk Korley
February 1, 2016
Elizabeth was a great person, and did so much. And she was a lot of fun to sit and chat away about anything that came to mind.
Gayle Hughes
February 1, 2016
All my love to Elizabeth's family.
February 1, 2016
Praying for the family of our beloved ET. I cannot believe she is gone, though I know she is a delight in heaven.
February 1, 2016
The faculty of the School of Nursing at UNC Charlotte would like to express our deepest appreciation for the years of guidance, mentorship, and friendship Elizabeth gave to each of us individually and to the faculty as a whole. Elizabeth will be truly missed.
SON Faculty, UNC Charlotte
Mona Newsome Wicks
Mona Wicks
February 1, 2016
I have always joked that when I grow up I want to be like ET, the kind of person who is invested in the success of others. She was a talented editor and a friend to nursing. I had the gift of taking a course from her several years back. Near the end of the course she invited the class to her home, an indication of just how gracious she was always going the extra mile. I was looking forward to her visit next week to our campus here in Memphis to discuss the next grant. Instead of the pleasure of her wise counsel, I will sit in silence and remember her giving spirit and words of encouragement after the loss of my mother. I am very pleased to have had the benefit of her wise counsel, support, and masterful editing and teaching skills.
She will be missed. Blessings to Amy and the entire family there is no one quite like ET.
Sarah Rhoads
February 1, 2016
Elizabeth was a wonderful mentor to me for over 10 years. I always loved when she would visit UAMS College of Nursing and made sure I was on her schedule. I will miss her dearly. She was a treasure and I am blessed to have known her.
Sharon Van Vechten
February 1, 2016
My prayers are with all of the family who are a testament to the quality of life Elizabeth lived. A life well lived and well loved.
Donna Gullette, PhD
February 1, 2016
Elizabeth, was a wonderful editor and person. She had great sense of humor. She will be greatly missed. She had just finished editing a grant for me on January 22, 2016. I was looking at her hand writing last night with a short note "call me if you have questions." Amy you and your family are in my prayers.
Allison Burfield
February 1, 2016
I am absolutely heart broken. Words cannot express the level of gratitude and love I have for her. She has been a mentor, supporter and one of the most amazing people to walk this earth. We all called her E.T. her at UNCC, and I always thought it was so fitting, when you need to call "someone" to get home in your work, thoughts...life. Great love to you and condolences to her family. You my love, will be sorely missed.
Much love-Allison, School of Nursing
Wib Gulley
February 1, 2016
There is no way to describe how wonderful and important Elizabeth's writing, news analysis, politics, values and wit were to me as I came of age at Duke and in Durham. I loved her warmth, candor and easy laugh, and it was always a joy to talk with and learn from her. All of us will miss her a lot, but she will live on in our hearts and memories. Love and strength to Amy and her family.
Richard and Sandy Ouellette
February 1, 2016
Elizabeth, a valiant lady, you will be missed. Will always cherish fond memories of wonderful times we had together.
Sandy Funk
February 1, 2016
I can't imagine a world without Elizabeth in it. She was a pistol, she called 'em like she saw 'em. But, she was a kind soul helping others see the value in their contributions. And, damn she could edit and write!
February 1, 2016
My thoughts are with you all. what a wonderful lady!
Lee Willard
Beth Barba
February 1, 2016
Elizabeth was a true original. There is definitely a disturbance in the force with her passing. I will miss her terribly.
Becky Bonchick
February 1, 2016
There was no other like Elizabeth. She will be truly missed by everyone who had pleasure of knowing her. Love & prayers to Amy & her family
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