Elizabeth Anne Hofferber O’Brien

Elizabeth Anne Hofferber O’Brien

“Grandma Bizz”

24 January 1945 – 23 December 2017

Elizabeth Anne Hofferber O’Brien, 72, of Lawrence, KS, passed away at home on December 23, 2017 at 11:12 pm. Her big personality, Happy-Go-Lucky spirit, and her unselfish nature will be greatly missed by all. She was known to everyone as “Grandma Bizz” and she held a very special place in the hearts of her two children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her world revolved around the love she had for them. Her greatest wish in life was to be surrounded by her family, always! There are many awesome “Grandma Bizz” stories and she loved reminiscing about all the fun times we had together. Some of her favorite activities included coffee with family, surprise parties, and show-tunes from the Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, and Oklahoma.

She was born in Glendale, CA, and spent her early years in Paris, France and Cameroon, Africa. She loved to travel and passed that quality on to her family. She lived in CA, AR, ID, UT and OR before settling down in Lawrence, KS. She went to Secretarial college in Boston, MA. Her main employment for many years was a telephone switchboard operator in CA, UT and in Lawrence, KS for Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She loved to read, do crosswords puzzles, and play dice or cards. She enjoyed crocheting baby blankets, hats, and booties! There are many children in Lawrence and across the country that are wrapped warmly in a Grandma Bizz Creation. She volunteered/worked for Just Food and Penn House where she worked hard to help the the hungry and homeless; as she understood their situation first hand because she had been hungry and homeless and vowed to never see another person have to suffer. Additionally, she had a huge passion for rescue animals and blessed her grandchildren with many pets over the years.

We love you Grandma Bizz!

Survivors include her mother, Jane Skurdal, Raymore, MO; sister, Connie Hofferber-Jones, Canoe Island, WA; daughter, Dawn O’Brien Taylor (Leonard) Bloomsburg, PA; granddaughter, Crystal Taylor (Ben), great-grandsons, Chase Scruggs & Corben Taylor, Lawrence, KS; grandson, Ricky Lockner (Anna), great-grandchildren, Adalee & Roderick Lockner, Aurora, OH; son, Shawn O’Brien (Catherine), grandchildren, Alexzander, Katelyn, Kaden, Ashley, Kaci, Lawrence, KS. She was preceded in death by her sister, Terry Moore.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life and her 73rd Birthday at the W Banquet Hall in Lawrence, KS. January 24, 2018 4:34 PM to 8:34 PM (cocktail hour, appetizers, and remembrance).

Memorial Contributions may be made in her name for a tree, a plaque in her honor and grandchildren and great-grandchildren support fund. They may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary. Family requests, no flowers or gifts.

 

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