After bravely fighting ovarian cancer for three years, Elizabeth Murphy Steele passed away Aug. 10, 2012, at the Gatehouse of Williamsport.
Born Aug. 20, 1959, to Doctor Edith Lechner Murphy and the late Attorney Bertram S. Murphy, Tiz grew up in Montoursville, swimming in the Loyalsock Creek and riding dirt bikes with her best friend and brother, Matthew Murphy.
After graduating from Montoursville High School, she earned a Psychology degree from Gettysburg College and began working at ManorCare Health Services, where she served for 30 years as the director of social services. In 1984, Tiz married Jim Steele and moved to Cascade, her lifelong residence.
Tiz filled her time with friends and family, and enjoyed gardening, fishing and reading. She could often be found walking her two beloved labs, Bridget and Mara, in the back woods of Cascade, cross-country skiing, or knitting in her tree stand while waiting for the perfect doe each November.
Her husband Jim preceded Tiz in death. Her mother Edith; sister Marilyn Murphy, of Lewisburg; brother Steven Murphy and his wife Eileen, of Washington; brother Matthew and his wife Shelley, of North Carolina; companion Tom Frymire; and special friend Anne Waldron, survive her. A loving aunt, Tiz is survived by her nieces and nephews Cassandra, Carina and Clarissa Murphy Brown; Patrick, Michael and Ryan Murphy; David and Amanda Murphy; and Kayden Autry.
In keeping with Tiz's wishes, a simple memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, at Faith United Methodist Church, 700 Fairview Drive, Montoursville.
Many will fondly remember Tiz as a devoted friend and loving daughter, sister and aunt. Donations may be sent to The Gatehouse c/o Susquehanna Health Foundation, 1001 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.
Arrangements are by Spitler Funeral Home, Montoursville.
