"I am deeply saddened to learn of Lizzie's passing. I just found out and am awe struck by the memories that are flooding back to me. Lizzie, aka Ryan O Ryan, was my best friend in grade school and high school. We were affectionately referred to as the village idiots because we would walk home from school together all through town laughing and talking. We told the same jokes at the same spots every day and they were always funny. My Mom said she was better then 2 Betty Davis movies. High praise indeed. I will miss you."
In loving memory of
Elizabeth Augustyn
May 11, 1949 - October 30, 2011
Elizabeth Ryan Augustyn, of Antigo, died Sunday, October 30, 2011 at Langlade Hospital under the care of her family and LeRoyer Hospice. She was 63 years old. She was born on May 11, 1949 in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, a daughter of Walter and Jessie (Robertson) Ryan. She married James Augustyn on January 21, 1977 in Falls Church, Virginia. He survives.
She moved from New York to Washington D.C. to attend Trinity Washington University. She lived in D.C. until she married and moved to Antigo.
She was a devoted mother, artistically creative, and politically active. She traveled extensively, was an avid reader, and had a passion for music, taking piano lessons at the Wausau Conservatory of Music.
She was a member and past President of St. John Catholic School Board of Education, was on the hiring board at the Wausau Conservatory of Music, and served on the political campaign for state representative Tom Tiffany.
She was also known for her great sense of humor, making people laugh all her life, even from her hospital bed. She was a kind person who was considerate of others, and had friends across the globe. She was enthusiastic and optimistic, and enjoyed hearing new stories and having new experiences all her life.
Survivors including her husband are two daughters, Allison Augustyn, Seattle, WA, and Jessie Augustyn, Madison; a son James Ryan Augustyn, Madison; a brother John (Rosemary) Ryan, Lake Forest, IL; a sister Laurie (Ron) Dillahunt, Antigo.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Antigo, with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until the time of services on Wednesday at the church.
A memorial will be established. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Tributes
"I was so very sorry to hear that Liz had passed away. My memories of her will live on as she was always a positive person who could light up a room with her personality and humor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, may you all find comfort from the wonderful memories you all created together. "
" Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time, Jim, Allison, Jesse, and Ryan....we remember Liz as enjoying people and for her sense of humor. She was always so proud of her kids and loved to talk about what they were doing. We bumped into her at Fifth Avenue a while back and got caught up and it was enjoyable chatting with her. Sometimes we miss the old neighborhood! But life moves on and things change...we're so sorry for your loss. "
"Liz was always so much fun to be around. She always had a good story to share. Pam, Sarah and I are so sorry to hear of your loss."
"I feel so very blessed to have met Liz and Jim through Jeannie and Art Halvorsen. On first meeting Liz, I could not believe how much I laughed and how much fun she was. I introduced Liz to Absolut Citron, and she never let me forget it. I wish we had lived closer. She fought such a brave battle with cancer, most often with a bright smile on her face and something funny to say - what an inspiring spirit. I so wish I could be with you today to celebrate her very full life. I wish all of you the joy and comfort of treasured memories as you mourn her loss. I will really miss her and my prayers are with you all. "
"Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Liz was such an inspiring person, it is her legacy. I have never met anyone like her, I am honored that I have been given the opportunity. As hard as it was for her and Jim, I looked forward to her visits to the Cancer Center, especially on those days where we could shoot the breeze. And shoot the breeze we did! It was a rare gift that Liz had. Rest in peace, my dear friend, and may your family find peace. With our love, Beth and Bubba "
"A fun-loving positive person! Always up for an adventure. A true fighter that loved life. We were friends from our elementary school days in NY so the memories go back decades. My prayers are with her family and this sad time."
"Liz was a warm, generous, friendly soul with a unique spirit. She was always ready to mix it up and engage, and no matter how difficult things got she would brighten your day with a witty remark or a fascinating story. More than that, Liz was like family. She treated me with the love and kindness ordinarily accorded only to blood relations, and was always willing to offer candid advice. I miss her dearly and wish that she rests in peace."
"Liz was one of the most amazing individuals we have ever had the privilege to know. Liz could turn even the most hostile individual into a friend in a very short period of time. She was the ultimate ice breaker with an incredible sense of humor. We also remember extended political discussions that sometimes turned on the bizarre. Liz was also an incredible friend with a deep sense of right and wrong. We will miss her forever. "
"A more chilling experience than the "Alive" night with Pepy was the evening Liz and I sat on the porch at Pelican lake wrapped in blankets...freezing but we just kept talking and adding blankets til all I could see were Liz's lips moving. We were like popsicles when we finally went inside. Will miss that laughter. "
"Your Mom's wedding! We were Sweet Sixteen..having a blast at the Hempstead Golf Club. Via con Deo..Liz "
"We laughed ourselves silly many times to embarrassment. One time we even had to write ALIVE in the snow at the ponds waiting for Jim to return and find us. She surely will be my shining star in the sky from now on."
"One Christmas with her long blond hair, her mother's mink coat, over-sized sunglasses and a cigarette in a holder, she rode a snow-mobile through a town of 300. Liz was always a very "up" woman; I am sorry that Jim and her children will miss her "fun" presence in their lives"