Elizabeth Mackenzie

Elizabeth Louise MacKenzie was born on July 29th, 1981, to Louise and Bruce MacKenzie of Santa Barbara.  Elizabeth came into the world with many challenges, but an immense life force that allowed her to survive and overcome profound health barriers and participate in the community.  She passed away peacefully on January 23, 2020, at home with her family and devoted caretakers surrounding her.

In her pre-school years, Elizabeth was a pioneer, first challenging the norms for who could go to regular classes.  She attended Montecito Union School, where she was welcomed by staff and students, who became her friends and included her and accommodated her needs. She went on to Santa Barbara Junior High and Carpinteria High School, where she learned from her peers and they from her.  As an adult, she attended Alpha Resource Center day program, with her many friends and neighbors. For the past several years, she lived in her own apartment, supported and cared for by a loving group of care providers and her family.

Elizabeth is survived by her parents and her three siblings:  Walter Wood and David MacKenzie of Santa Barbara, and Emily MacKenzie of New Orleans, who will carry her light forever in their hearts.  She is also survived by her brother-in-law Gus Hoffman of New Orleans, and sister-in-law Patricia Wood and niece Elaine Wood of Santa Barbara.

A mass was held in Memphis, Tennessee, for Elizabeth on February 2nd.  A memorial service will be held for Elizabeth in Santa Barbara on March 7th at Alpha Resource Center on Cathedral Oaks Road at 2 pm.  In place of flowers, you may wish to make donations to VNA Hospice and Alpha Resource Center