Mary Elizabeth (ne’e Durie) Bakenhus went to be with her Lord on Saturday, May 17, 2025. She was born in Binghamton, NY, on October 4, 1936, and graduated from the Newark Valley Schools in 1954. She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Warren Karl Bakenhus; her parents, Percy Bennett Durie & Marion Elizabeth Douglass Durie; and her sister-in-law, Helen B (Claus) Mann. She is survived by her daughters: Dr. Ellen E. (John) Matuszak & Barbara (Conrad) Zlock; 4 grandsons: Matthew (Jennifer) & Daniel Matuszak, and Kyle & Spencer (Klarisa) Zlock; and 4 great grandchildren: Henry & Clara Matuszak and Sydney & Aiden Zlock.; brother-in-law John (Waydene) Bakenhus; sisters-by-heart: Sally Morgan & Nancy Rhodes, nephews, nieces, cousins, and caring friends.

Liz graduated from Oswego State Teachers College in 1958. Before starting her family, she taught 2nd grade in the Maine-Endwell School District. She was a charter member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Vestal. She was a wife, mother, teacher, Girl Scout leader, Avon representative, & 'Band-Aide' when her daughters were in the Vestal High School Band.  Liz was a favorite substitute teacher at Vestal Hills and Willow Point Elementary Schools for many years. Her life enjoyments included church, travel, genealogy, sewing, music, camping, and her home & family. Elizabeth's pre-internet genealogy work is renowned among other family genealogists for its thoroughness, detail, and accuracy. She was a good example in life and death to her children and those around her.

Many thanks to her doctors, the nurses and aides at Lourdes Hospital, the nurses and staff of Lourdes-Guthrie Hospice, and to her I-Care aides who made her days more enjoyable. 

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 27, 6:00pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 731 Hooper Road, Endwell, with Pastor Jeffrey Bohan officiating.  The family will receive friends Friday 4-6:00pm in the church's fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.

Arrangements made through Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home.