Obituary: Liza Kate Driscoll, 1978-2026

Our beloved Liza Kate (Havey) Driscoll, 47, passed away unexpectedly on January 15, 2026.

Liza was a loving mother, wife, and cherished daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She had a kind and generous heart and a presence that could light up any room.

Adventurous, fun-loving and always up for anything, Liza formed deep friendships everywhere she went and made people feel instantly welcomed, cared for and seen.

Liza is survived by her husband, David Driscoll; their beloved children, Ella and Dylan; her mother, Kathryn Gross; her father, Robert Havey, and stepmother, Joan Havey; her sister, Jennifer Graham, and husband Richard; and her brothers, Brent Havey and wife Jill, and Chris Havey and wife Emily. She was also deeply loved and survived by Dave’s family, including parents Bernie and Jane Sanders; sister Carina Driscoll and husband Blake Ewoldsen; sister Nicole Driscoll and husband Keegan Reed; sister Heather Sanders; and brother Levi Sanders.

She was a proud and loving aunt to Andrew, Owen, Addison, Beckett, Gwendolyn, Dean, Cole and Tess.

She also loved animals and welcomed many pets into their home, giving them nicknames and adoring them all. Her Boston, Joey, was her favorite, but shhh — don’t tell the others.

Born on September 27, 1978, in Berlin, Vt., Liza grew up in the town of Essex and graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She worked for Gravis Footwear and Burton Snowboards before leading Essex Hollow Playschool for 17 years, a childcare and learning center founded by her mother. Starting there part time in high school and through college, she returned and expanded the preschool program to include infant and toddler care, lovingly caring for many children and families. Her work there was a reflection of her nurturing spirit, leadership and deep commitment to her community.

Liza loved spending time with family and friends, whether out on the lake in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, traveling, going to concerts, practicing yoga and barre, or throwing parties to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of the people she loved. She had a gift for instigating fun and adventure and embraced life fully and generously, always ready and willing to help anyone in need. She was joyful, vibrant and full of life.

Family and friends are invited to come together on Friday, January 23, 2026, 4:30 p.m., at Grace United Methodist Church in Essex Junction to remember Liza and honor her beautiful spirit.

Liza believed that everyone deserves to be cared for and have what they need. She always had time to listen and help anyone who might be struggling. In that spirit, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to COTS to support the distribution of items to those in need.

Liza will be remembered for her boundless love, her adventurous soul and the light she brought into the lives of so many.

This article appears in January 21 • 2026.