Elizabeth Ann VanBerlo, 44, of Traverse City, passed away July 2023 into the arms of her savior surrounded by her family.
Elizabeth was born on August 12, 1978 to Peter and Barbara (Lauer) VanBerlo in Charleston, SC. By the time she was One, she was already an international traveler; living in Iceland. Her father's time in the service offered her the chance to see many places which likely sparked at her very young age curiosities for travel that continued on for many more years. While living in Iceland, in America Mt. St. Helens was erupting as was Mt. Hekla in Iceland. So young and vulnerable to the elements- Elizabeth just simply called it a "mad mountain".
After many moves, her roots were placed in Northern Michigan and she became a 1996 graduate of Traverse City Central High School, as well as a graduate of Northwestern Michigan College. As a young adult, she went in search of her extended family and visited the Netherlands on three lengthy occasions picking up multiple cultural gifts. She loved to cook, kayak, scuba dive and travel - and there was really no order of passion on them. Her family loved her, her friends adored her and her absence will be missed; she was the life of the party.
She was an upstanding freelance graphic designer taking on both large and small projects alike.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday July 19, 2023 from 7-8pm at Christ the King Church with a rosary recitation at 8pm. A second visitation will take place on Thursday July 20th from 10-11am with a memorial mass at 11:00am.
Elizabeth is survived by her Grandmother Suzanna W. (van der Hoek) VanBerlo, Parents Peter & Barbara (Lauer) VanBerlo, Brother Adam W. VanBerlo, Niece Eden Grace VanBerlo, Aunts and Uncles - Cecelia (Lauer) Pemberton, James & Ginny Lauer, Lawrence & Carol Lauer, Richard & Betty Lauer, Diane (Lauer) Hannan, Timothy & Linda Lauer, Janet (Lauer) & Rich Wolf, Cindy (Lauer) & Martie VanBerlo, Joanne (VanBerlo) & Gary Rowden, and Suzanne (VanBerlo) & William Montgomery.
Elizabeth is preceded in death by her Great Grandmother Wilhelmina B. (van den Berg) Van der Hoek, Maternal Grandparents Theresa P. (Kruzel) & Edward H. Lauer and Paternal Grandfather Wilhelmus G. VanBerlo
The Family requests in Lieu of Flowers Donations to "Hospice of Northern Michigan" be considered.