Liz was the finest friend of Willowbank. Inspired by Laura Dodson’s vision for a School at the Willowbank Estate both Liz and her husband Nick volunteered at fundraising events such as Willowbank’s Lecture Series, Jazz Festivals and soirees. With Dave and Rosamund Hennessey, Liz and Nick even spent many hours groundskeeping the Willowbank estate’s 12 acres. Liz was inspired by Willowbank’s heritage architect and former Executive Director, Julian Smith and was a great friend to his wife Betsy Smith. In 2008, Liz was invited on to the Board of Directors as Chair of the Friends of Willowbank, which she had helped to create—almost single-handedly—and which she ran for many years. This corps of dedicated volunteers and supporters turned out for all the public events and carried the word about this wonderful and exceptional place. Liz loved Willowbank – and took her great affection to all her friends – a myriad of friends, and not just in this town but all over the world. If you were a friend of Liz, you were a Friend of Willowbank.

Beyond her loving care and support for her children and grandchildren, her philanthropy also included the grandmothers (nyanyas) of the Stephen Lewis Foundation in Kenya. She faced Nick’s sudden death and later her own illness with courage and resolve. A generous and passionate person, her spirit will continue to inspire all of us here at Willowbank.

Liz Ikonikov