Liz Sunners

Liz (Elizabeth) Jane Sunners

3.6.1963-7.31.2025

Elizabeth Jane Sunners, born on March 6, 1963, in Poughkeepsie, NY, made it very clear from a young age that "Elizabeth" simply wasn’t her style. She much preferred to go by Liz—and if you knew her, you knew better than to call her anything else. (We’ll probably be in trouble for including her full name here, but we think she’d forgive us—eventually.)

Liz led an extraordinary life but faced a final battle with metastatic breast cancer, which invaded her life over six years ago. Despite this, she lived fully through those years, never allowing it to overpower her. She continued to work and travel the world until the last few months of her life. On July 31st, she peacefully transitioned in her adopted hometown of Buffalo, New York, surrounded by family and friends.

Liz is survived by her partner Tracilyn Vaticano, her mother Anne Sunners, her brother Alan and his wife Laura Sunners, their children Amanda (Mark) Sunners, Meghan (Matt) Noel, and Alec (Lea) Sunners; the Vaticano clan (Heather, Debbie, Bart, and Loretta), her beloved dog Wallace, and many close friends who became like family. She is predeceased by her father Brian Sunners and her dogs Melody and Lewis.

Liz, besides her first and favorite job at Burger King, dedicated her entire life to serving others. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Russell Sage College and her Master’s degree from Hunter College, setting the stage for a lifetime of work dedicated to making the world a better place for those in need. Recently, she worked at the New York Foundling, where she led with humor, grit, and passion. She was fiercely committed to ensuring the best possible lives for hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as for the dedicated staff who supported them. Liz was intelligent, funny, and tough—but always fair. Her guidance was direct yet deeply compassionate.

As evident from her professional career, Liz always prioritized others, a trait that began early in her life. Her mother, Anne, recalls a four-year-old Liz telling her friend’s mother that she had to go home so her mother could take a nap.

Liz lived with generosity and dignity throughout her life. She displayed her intelligence without arrogance, had immense compassion for all beings, and possessed a sense of humor as dry as the finest Scotch whiskey. Liz led by laughing and making us laugh, never embarrassing anyone less talented than herself.

Liz was simply and will always be one of the greatest humans, as many have said, “one of a kind.” Nothing, no one, can ever fill the void she has left behind.

Liz’s family extends a special thank you to everyone who walked alongside her on this journey. From her first oncologist, Dr. Julie Gold, to the amazing and delightfully sassy infusion team who filled countless hours with laughter and warmth, to the team at Roswell Park, a particular thank you goes to Drs. Emily Kirshner and Joel Shackson. Their paths crossed with Liz’s in what we’re certain was no accident, judging by the profound impact they had on her life.

We will gather on August 24th at 4 p.m. to celebrate Liz and the life she cherished at Pamela’s On The Hudson in Newburgh, NY. Join us as we honor, reflect on, and carry forward her legacy, which continues to impact lives beyond her own.

In lieu of gifts or flowers to a family that stood by their unwavering supporter during both joyful and challenging times, please consider making a donation to one of these three organizations that embody the love, hope, and support she received: Perfect Pets Rescue, Metavivor, and Hospice of Erie County.

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