Elise Margarethe Zayat

Elise M. Zayat, age 79, of Lawrence, KS and formerly, Hartwick, NY, passed away quietly at home on Monday, August 8, 2022. The second oldest child of Peter and Helen (Nordberg) Hansen, Elise was born on October 19, 1942, and grew up in Laurens, NY. She earned a nursing degree from Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and practiced as an RN for over 47 years. While living in Brooklyn, Elise met the love of her life, Cornelius “Neil” Zayat. They were married on January 2, 1965, calling it the “finest day she ever had.” They were happily married for 51 years.

Survivors include her daughters, who she considered her greatest accomplishments, Elizabeth “Liz” Zayat, Lawrence, KS, and Christina “Tina” Zayat, Cooperstown, NY; her sisters, Karen Freiberg (Bill Kuiper), Catonsville, MD, Helen Sorenson (Joe Villafane), San Antonio, TX, sister-in-law, Ginny Hansen (Ralph), Annapolis, MD, brother-in-law, Richard Hanna (Cornelia Zayat); and her cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Elise was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ralph, and husband Neil.

Elise was an incredibly talented woman who was a master craftsman especially in her ability to sew anything and knit complicated patterns. She was always ready to share a fun anecdote about youthful adventures with her family and friends. One of the stories she loved to tell the most, was the one where she threw peanuts from a roof into the open convertible of the man who would eventually become her husband.

Elise’s kindness and love for others knew no bounds and she could light up a room with her smile and laugh. She was adored by all and will be greatly missed.

Services for Elise will be held in both Kansas and New York. The Kansas service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Lawrence KS and the New York service will be on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, in Laurens, NY.

Memorials may be made in her name to Evangelical Lutheran Church-general fund of Hartwick Seminary, NY and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary (Kansas), 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 or Bookout Funeral Home (Oneonta, NY).

14 Condolences

  1. Tiffany K Donohoe on August 11, 2022 at 1:06 pm

    Liz,
    We love you and pray you feel the love of all the people that care about you. Losing a parent is just hard.



  2. The Zooks on August 11, 2022 at 1:06 pm

    Liz,

    We’re sorry for your loss.

    David and Tiffany Zook



  3. Ryan and Hanna Randolph on August 11, 2022 at 1:23 pm

    Oh our dearest Liz! Our hearts are so heavy and wish we could be with you during this time. We love you so much. Christ is with you sweet friend!

    Much Love & Prayers,
    Ryan, Hanna, Jayden & Riley Randolph



  4. Debbie Rask on August 11, 2022 at 4:39 pm

    Liz,

    What a blessing you have been to your mom. We are so sorry for her passing, but rejoice with you that now she is with Jesus and free of all the physical ills that were plaguing her here. So sorry to miss the memorial, but we will be with you in spirit.

    Love,

    Scott & Debbie Rask



  5. The Hooblers on August 11, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    Liz,
    So very sorry to hear this hard news. May God surround you with His peace and comfort now and equip you with patient endurance for the days ahead.
    With sympathy,
    Sid and Cindy Hoobler



  6. Michelle Barnes on August 11, 2022 at 5:10 pm

    Oh Liz,
    Never forget that you loved your mother well until the end. Our prayers are with you as you walk this hard, hard road.
    Much love to you,
    Michelle and Randy’ Barnes



  7. Joe and Donna Ketchum on August 11, 2022 at 6:12 pm

    We are both so sorry for your loss although we know she’s in the loving arms of Jesus. Liz, you have been such a loving and devoted daughter and a wonderful blessing to your sweet Mother. May God bless
    You and comfort you with His peace.



  8. Karla Peters on August 11, 2022 at 7:31 pm

    Dear Liz,
    I am praying for you as you mourn the loss of your mom. God bless and comfort you in the days ahead.
    So many people love you dearly.
    Sincerely,
    Karla Peters



  9. Rick Plumlee on August 12, 2022 at 7:10 am

    Liz
    Praying that God will wrap you in his loving arms as you grieve the death of your mom. Grateful she is now with Jesus, basking in immeasureable joy. Your steadfast caring heart has long been an example for me, as it was for Kathi. Now rest in the love and care from others and especially Jesus.



  10. Desiree Hickey on August 12, 2022 at 4:07 pm

    We dearly loved our Aunt Elise. She was a loving, talented, and dedicated individual in all that she did. We will miss her. Now she and Uncle Cornelius will be together again.
    All our love,
    Desiree, Jim and Jaimie



  11. Sandra Reed on August 12, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    Dear Liz,
    So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and as you care for Elaine.
    Love in Christ,
    Sandra Reed



  12. Richard Hanna on August 13, 2022 at 1:08 am

    Richard Hanna:
    Praying for you during this difficult time. Fond memories of Aunt Elise will live forever in our hearts. A gentle soul, a loving heart that was always giving. Blessed to have shared time visiting with my sons from Florida over the years in NY. Aunt Elise and Uncle Cornelius were always so welcoming. May her light shine bright, let’s welcome her home. I know Uncle Cornelius will be there with open arms, together again as one.

    Always with God’s blessings. May he comfort you and bring you peace.

    All our love!❤️
    Richard, Wanvisa, Jordan, Nickolas and Sarah



  13. Renee Clark Family on August 13, 2022 at 10:30 am

    Dearest Liz,

    Heartfelt
    Condolences

    Please accept our deepest condolences
    On the passing of your Beloved Mother Elisa Zayat.
    Just know that the Lord is with you to comfort your heart.
    Our thoughts and prayer are with you

    Alana, CeCe, Malachi,
    Maliyah, Braysen, Renee
    Family



  14. Al & Connie Negen on August 15, 2022 at 2:17 pm

    Dear Liz,
    I had not heard of your Mom’s passing until today. I’m sorry and yet rejoicing in her presence w/ the LORD! We know and trust that you are experiencing HIS comfort & the joy of His salvation! Your are for those you love and are part of His flock has long been an encouragement & joy for us!
    You are loved with and Everlasting Love and underneath are Those Everlasting Arms – Hallelujah!

    Al & Connie



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