She visited 47 countries. I asked her once which was her favorite. She said: The next one. I think about that every time I book a flight.
2 years ago
Elizabeth Jane Whitfield
May 30, 1968 – February 14, 2024 · 55 years
"She lived fully and loved without reservation."
Biography
Elizabeth Jane Whitfield died far too young at 55, leaving behind a life so large it could not be contained. A celebrated high school English teacher, Liz inspired a generation of students to find their voice through writing. She ran marathons, traveled to 47 countries, and wrote a novel she never quite finished — though those who read the drafts say it was extraordinary. She is survived by her husband Mark, son Owen, daughter Ivy, and every student who ever stayed after class to talk.
Messages & Tributes (18)
+ Write a MessageI am a teacher now because of her. Every lesson I plan, I ask: would Mrs. Whitfield think this is good enough? It keeps my standards high.
2 years ago
The manuscript exists. I have a copy. And I promise you, the world will read it.
2 years ago
Mrs. Whitfield was the first teacher who told me my accent was an asset, not a problem. That one sentence changed how I moved through this country.
2 years ago
She read my first draft novel at 2am and called me the next morning full of notes and encouragement. I published it last year. The dedication is hers.
2 years ago
Mrs. Whitfield assigned us to keep a journal in tenth grade. I never stopped. I've filled 22 notebooks. She started that.
2 years ago
She never finished the novel. But she finished us — fully, completely, with everything she had. That's more important.
2 years ago
Liz, you loved this life so hard. You ran toward everything — countries, people, ideas, heartbreak. I was lucky enough to run beside you for 26 years.
2 years ago
She brought her students to the city library every spring and let them wander for an hour choosing any book they wanted. Then she'd spend the summer reading whatever they picked. That's a teacher.
2 years ago
Liz was my favorite cousin and my oldest friend. She leaves a hole so big I don't know how to walk around it. But she'd tell me to keep moving. So I am.
2 years ago