"Will always be a special part of me. God bless you. What a wonderful life you had."
In loving memory of
Elizabeth Ann Mauer
Elizabeth Ann Mauer Stelfox, age 49, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 in her home in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by her family. Elizabeth and her twin were born in West Islip, New York, to her parents William and Martha Mauer.
Elizabeth "Liz" grew up as an Air Force "brat", and as such she spent much of her childhood living with her family on military bases across the country, including the deep South, Illinois, the Dakotas, and even California. During those years, she and her twin spent the summers with their grandparents on Long Island and enjoyed many days at the ocean, thus cementing her life-long affinity for the beach. The Mauer family permanently moved to Bowie, Maryland, where Liz graduated from Largo High School in 1986. In high school, Liz played the flute in the school marching band, was a member of the flag team, and was a sports trainer for various sports. Liz attended Salisbury State University (as it was known at that time) and eventually graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Elementary Education. Liz was able to combine all of her talents and passions for a number of years when she worked for Thunderbird Adventist Academy as Registrar, College Counselor, and Teacher.
Liz married the love of her life, Duane Stelfox, on June 9, 1991, marking the beginning of a love affair lasting over 26 years. Liz enjoyed life outdoors. From days spent on the beaches of both coasts, to hiking in Arizona, her advice to remedy most situations was to go for a walk, and breathe deeply the beauty of God's creation. Her faith in God was evident to all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed by many.
Liz is survived by her spouse, Duane, of Scottsdale, AZ and their children, Rachel of Crownsville, MD, Sarah, Jessica, and Benjamin of Scottsdale, AZ, all four of whom she took pride in homeschooling; her parents William and Martha Mauer of Bowie, MD; her twin sister Jennifer Seppi of Orange, TX; her brothers William Mauer and Andrew Mauer, both of Columbia, MD; her numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 11, at the Seabrook SDA Church, 8900 Good Luck Rd, Lanham, MD. Burial will follow the funeral at the Lakemont Cemetery in Davidsonville, MD.
The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the GoFundMe page "In Memory of Liz Mauer Stelfox", as well as to Thunderbird Adventist Academy c/o Tanna Allison, 7410 East Sutton Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Condolences may be left on Hansen Mortuaries online guest book at http://www.hansenmortuary.com/
"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there will be no more death nor sorrow nor crying; and there will be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Rev. 21:4
Tributes
"We are so sorry for your loss, May god continue to give you strength as you deal with your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers."
"Martha and Bill: Susie told me about your daughter, Elizabeth. I am so sorry for your loss. May your faith in God provide you with strength and peace during this most difficult time."
"My prayers go out to Bill, Martha and all of Liz?s family for strength in the days ahead."
"I have been praying for Liz for many yeas. My heart aches for family and friends to lose someone so young.. When I attend Mass on Sunday, February 11th I will pray for all you who grieve her earthly loss and will be with you in spirit. .Schenectady, New York is too much of a distance for me to be with all of you. Sr. Joan Vlaun, OP (Martha's High School Teacher)"
"Liz was always so friendly to me whenever she visited the Annapolis Seventh Day Adventist Church. She would greet me with a big hug, and chatted with me with such attention that I felt like I was the only person in the room! She will be missed greatly by all."
"Duane, Rachel, Danny, and Stelfox's family, We are very sad to hear about Liz. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences to you all and may God help you go through with this sudden loss."
"I was so sorry to learn of the death of your lovely daughter. The death of a loved one is never easy to accept, but it is even harder to bear when it is your child. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Until you see Liz again, may God, our heavenly Father, wrap His arms around you and your family and grant you the strength and comfort only He can give as you mourn her passing."
"I am so sorry to hear about Liz. She was a beautiful girl and way too young. My thoughts and prayers are with you Martha and with your family and friends."
"Andy and family, We were sadden to hear of your loss. Our condolences and prayers are with all of you during this time. Liz's obituary gave us a glance of the beautiful and fulfilled life she lived, her passion for life radiated the love of all your family. We pray that you will find comfort during this difficult time."
"Andy and family, Please accept my sincerest condolences for the life of a beautiful woman that ended way too soon, according to our standards. Reading her obituary gave me a tiny glimpse into her life and the love radiated, and what you, her, family returned to her. An iron-clad and loving family is what it takes to get through this difficult time. I pray that you all find comfort as you honor Liz with lots of unconditional hugs, kisses, memories, and respect for your one another...Liz's legacy will live through you:-( My heart aches..."