Elizabeth Dailey

Selfless and compassionate, Liz Dailey lived her life to the fullest. A natural caregiver, she made each person feel special and modeled a humble heart for others in need. A hard worker and successful nurse, Liz enjoyed pleasures in life, yet her family was her greatest treasure. Her generosity, as well as her love of her family, will be the greatest legacies she leaves behind. Gone too soon, Liz will be sincerely missed by her close family and many special friends.

The year 1956, was the year that Rock ‘n Roll music swept the nation. Elvis Presley appeared on the Ed Sullivan show for the first time, with his current hit, "Heartbreak Hotel" which claimed the charts for eight straight weeks. It was also a year that saw low inflation rates, hourly wages at one dollar an hour, and monthly rent at roughly eighty-eight bucks! That same year, Elizabeth Ann was born to Andrew and Genevieve Kalczuk on April 7, 1956, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born the oldest of four children, her birth brought great joy to the family home.

Growing up on the west side of town close to Fremont and Myrtle, Liz lived a typical childhood of the times. She and her siblings loved to visit area parks especially Richmond Park where they would go ice skating and sledding. She was a good student and attended Saint Peter and Paul School. Always active and on the go, Liz excelled as a sprinter on the track team at West Catholic High School. After graduation, she set off to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse at St. Mary’s. Following in the footsteps of her mother and later her younger sister, she was proud to graduate with her registered nursing degree. To celebrate her college graduation she traveled to Estes Park, Colorado where she would meet the man who would steal her heart forever. Tim was from Upper Arlington, Ohio, and was on a backpacking trip in the Rockies. The two of them met on the trails and an instant spark grew from that very moment! Smitten with one another, they chose to write letters back and forth. They also visited one another between Michigan and Ohio from time to time. Eager to spend their lives together, they joined in marriage on July 16, 1977, at Liz's hometown church, St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Together they welcomed and raised two wonderful children, Joe and Kelly, primarily on Fremont just down the road from where Liz grew up.

Motherhood surprised Liz with an abundance of blessings and she chose to reduce her hours as a nurse at the ICU at St. Mary’s to spend more time with the kids. As a family, they enjoyed many special vacations. They went on a memorable cruise, toured Disney, and traveled to Ohio to visit Tim’s family as well as West Virginia to go white water rafting. Family time was always a top priority. As busy as their lives were, Liz enjoyed watching her children engage in sporting events in the community. She was always there for her children. Liz instilled in them a strong work ethic and a genuine nature of being kind to everyone. A wonderful mother, Liz wanted nothing more than the very best for her family.

Never one to remain idle, Liz enjoyed going for walks around the community. Walking several times a day through the neighborhood, she also enjoyed walking the pier in beautiful Grand Haven. She also enjoyed watching the weather on the TV, spending time with friends in the neighborhood, and being involved with her family. Sadly, in May of 2012, Tim was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent chemotherapy along with surgery. He slowly recovered, yet two years later passed away from his illness.

Liz went on although Tim was greatly missed. However, it was not long before Liz started showing signs of dementia and moved to where she received additional care. Described as gentle, kind, and dedicated to her family, Liz will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. May her loved ones always cherish their memories of the good times they created together and may her gifts of unconditional love and grace live on in their hearts forever.

Elizabeth Ann Dailey, age 66, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on February 25, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy, in 2014; and her loving parents. Liz is survived by her children, Joe & Kelly Dailey, Kelly & Bret Dorman; grandchildren: Ethan, Hudson and Claire Dailey, Evelyn, and Quinn Dorman; siblings: Sue & Brad Knight, Mike & Beth Kalczuk, Tom & Jennifer Kalczuk; sister-in-law, Peggy & Dwight Holcomb; as well as many special nieces and nephews. Liz was a registered nurse and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital for many years caring for patients in the intensive care unit. Cremation has taken place. To share a memory or photo or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com