ELIZABETH FRANCES TIEF
10-10-1960 to 12-8-2017
Elizabeth was born to BGen Francis W Tief and Joan (Sullivan) Tief, who predeceased her. One of six children of a Marine Corp family, Liz was raised all over the US. Born in Quantico, VA she was only three months old when the family moved to Rome, Italy. The voyage was on a converted Navy ship and that is probably what started her love of travel. She has been all over the world for her work and with her travel partner, sister Catherine. She visited Japan, Shanghai, Russia, Korea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Hawaii, Alaska, Kenya, Portugal, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, Italy, Cuba and Turkey to name just a few.
Liz was a part of the Commercial Fishing Industry for thirty years. She entered her career by snapping herring in half for their roe then moved onto the land to work in canneries. Liz took that knowledge back home to Seattle where she bought and sold fish, then went back to sea as a Purser and ultimately settled on terra firma where she became an expert at juggling needs and sundries of outfitting multiple vessels for Ocean Peace Inc. as the Purchasing Manager. She was well known for her joyful spirit and toughness.
She went to elementary and high school in MA, VA, RI, CA, and NC, ultimately graduating from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. Liz loved to read and knew her Shakespeare, Royal English Lineages, Mythology, Martha Grimes & Harry Potter. She loved her BBC shows, Procedurals, Early Morning Movies, Music, Plays, Baby Animals, Museums, Jeopardy, Art Galleries, Dinner Parties, Wineries, Restaurants, Books, and learning anything new.
Liz was surrounded by a large extended family including her siblings – Sean (Deborah) Tief, Catherine Tief, James (Jody) Tief, Marisa (Bill) Cook and Chris (Karen) Tief; all her beloved cousins and Uncles; Glenna Tief and her daughters; and an ever-expanding group of friends. She loved her nieces and nephews – Jack, James, Connor, Sam, Kalina, Dean, Sarah, Kyle, Aya and Jeff and started a Day-after-Christmas tradition of taking them on a special adventure every year.
It is almost impossible to think of this world without her laughter and spirit. She lived a full life that was cut too short. Her advice to you is “Choose Happiness”.
In lieu of flowers, etc. if you want to remember Liz consider a donation in her name to one of these places she loved:
The Raptors
1877 Herd Rd.
Duncan, BC Canada V9L5W4 http://pnwraptors.com/
The Outback Kangaroo Farm
10020 State Rte 530 NE
Arlington, WA 98223 https://www.outbackkangaroofarm.com/
W. Coast Game Park Safari
46914 US 101
Bandon, OR 97411 http://www.westcoastgameparksafari.com/
Or choose any local animal shelter.
Share Memories of Elizabeth on the online guestbook at www.emmickfunerals.com
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Services - West Seattle