Elisabeth Keating, a writer, traveler, blogger, editor, and passionate environmentalist, died on April 26 in Seattle at age 54. The cause of death was acute liver failure due to Wilson's Disease.
Elisabeth Anne Keating was the daughter of Elizabeth Ball Keating and Cornelius Francis Keating. She grew up in New Canaan, Connecticut, and graduated from the Ethel Walker School (1981) and Harvard University (1988). Ms. Keating was an elegant and graceful writer. She first put her talents to use at Scholastic, Inc. in New York City, where she helped write and edit their iconic magazine. In 1998, seeking adventure, she moved to Seattle and wrote for such diverse organizations as Microsoft, NOW, the Sierra Club, and others. At the Sierra Club, she served for several years as the Communications Chair of the Washington State chapter.
Her curiosity led her to travel the globe, from the exotic (Galapagos, Alaska) to the merely beautiful (Nantucket). Along the way, she developed a passion, and concern, for endangered species and threatened environments. A large part of her later years were spent in the defense of these places she held so dear.
Lisa was an avid hiker, bike-rider, book-reader and gardener. When she decided to settle permanently in Seattle, she bought an Arts & Crafts bungalow on a hill above Green Lake. There, she grew both flowers and vegetables and tended to her many cats as well as to her garden. She was tireless and devoted rescuer of elderly and abandoned cats, many of whom she lovingly nursed back to health and happiness.
She is survived by her older four siblings--Cecily, Gregory, Christopher, and David--who will miss her greatly.
Words of comfort may be expressed for Elisabeth's family by clicking on the tribute tab above.
I found myself think about Lisa today and was so sad to discover that she is no longer with us. She was one of my English literature students at Ethel Walker. Happy to learn that she put her talent for writing to good use. Kate Hogerton
I was very saddened to hear of Elisabeth's death. I considered her a good friend at Ethel Walker. May she rest in peace.
Donna LaPlante
I'm heartbroken to hear about the loss of such a warm, caring, beautiful soul, especially at a young age. Lisa was an amazing life force and will be sorely missed.
I am so sad to hear of her passing and of the illness that took her so young. I have wonderful memories of Lisa's early days in Seattle and fun moments we had together. We went cross country skiing and had a great time talking about our lives and careers. I know she struggled in recent years and my heart goes out to you. I hope we can all remember the beautiful spirit she carried deep within.
So sorry to hear about Lisa. She was my first friend in high school and spoke at my wedding. She will be sorely missed.
I am deeply saddened by this news. My mother was right, the good do die young. I will always remember Lisa as the hostess with the most-est for summertime backyard barbecues, a passionate and inspiring advocate for environment and animal rights and kind and generous friend with her time and affection. There is another star in the heavens.
Lisa was a fantastic friend to the Earth - a dedicated ecologist and friend to every animal. I loved listening to her adventures. Her passion and drive were rare. My deepest condolences to her family.
I was so sad to learn of Lisa's passing through the Ethel Walker School. Lisa was a classmate, whom I had not seen since graduation but whom I remember with great fondness. It was wonderful to reconnect with her on Facebook and learn of her many accomplishments, including her caring engagement in the environment, animals and other compassion-filled concerns. I will remember her, especially her smile and wit, with special gratitude.
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