Obituary of Elizabeth M Lawson

Elizabeth (Liz) Ortez Lawson, 71, of Heritage Village, Gerry New York, (formerly of Panama, NY) passed away on July 19, 2024. She was the oldest daughter of Arthur and Mary Ayala Ortiz of Los Angeles, CA. Liz was born on March 27, 1953, and graduated from California State University, Los Angeles in 1975 with a dual major in Art History and Fashion Design. While living in LA, she was a fashion designer for Punk Rock and Heavy Metal bands. She co-owned a business called Wild Rags. In 1977, she became a born-again Christian and a member of the Montebello Baptist Church. Her salvation guided and directed the remainder of her life. Liz relocated from Los Angeles to Panama, New York in 1993. She quickly found a community of like-minded people when she became a costume designer and seamstress for actors in Little Theater and JCC’s Uncommoners. Her business, Stitch in Time, offered alterations, sewing, mending, and costume design. She was president of the Harmony Historical Society from 1995 to 2000. Her specialty was Renaissance and Civil War-era costuming. She was also a guest speaker for local civic organizations and high school history classes where she gave presentations dressed in period attire. In the fall of 2001, Liz was diagnosed with MS but she continued with part-time work until 2015 when she became a resident at Heritage Village Skilled Nursing Facility in Gerry, New York. While there, she continued with limited sewing and craft activities, was a resident council member, and attended weekly Bible study and church services. She loved going on “world tours” around the campus with her sister-in-law and enjoyed all the special programs and events held at Heritage, including visiting the horse stables. Among the staff, she was known for her psychedelic support hose, tie-dyed shirts, and jewelry making. She enjoyed watching Joyce Meyer's devotionals and inspirational sermons on YouTube. Her biological family resided in southern California, but her foster family resided at Heritage Village. They were caregivers and friends who enriched her life and enabled her to die with dignity. Special thanks and gratitude to Lisa Erickson, NP; Shelley Reed, Nurse Manager; Pastor Leecroft Clarke, Lynn Craven, Charlene Burch, Elizabeth Dickerson, Linda Olson, Ann Morgan, Kelly Pattyson, and many others too numerous to mention. Everyone at Heritage Village rendered kind and compassionate care to Liz in her final days, which is a tribute to their organizational values. Elizabeth Mary Ortez Lawson 1953-2024 Obituary of Elizabeth M. Ortez Lawson Survivors include sisters Nancy Ortez, and Terry Tuttle, brother Arthur (Loralee) Ortez, and aunt Hope (Richard) Ellis, all residing in southern California. She will be dearly missed by her sister-in-law, Susanna (Thomas) Lawson of Cassadaga. A memorial service will be conducted at Heritage Village Skilled Nursing Facility in Gerry, New York at a date to be determined. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, CA. Send a condolence by visiting www.jordansinclairville.com