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.
Liza was a brilliant and happy lady. I met her at Betty Ford. Such a positive inspiration and always nurturing others and had a beautiful loving personality. I lost touch after leaving but our friendship was felt in my heart. When I saw her obituary I cried and said this world lost a special lady gone too soon.
I’m sure she is dancing in heaven and keeping the Angels happy. If I am bound for heaven I certainly will look her up to have laughter and joyful moments.
A soul gone too soon!
Love you Liza!
Barbara Page-Ridgway
Being Liza’s Daddy O was amazing. We think of her and talk to her all the time. Ella, Dylan, Dave, Chris and Brent, Kathy, Jennifer and Joan: we will always have Liza Kate in our heart. Thank you all for the kind words and let’s not forget her. Love you Liza!
Liza was a great and wonderful friend to me. She helped me out when I needed it the most. She came in to my life and was beautiful soul and friend.
When ever I saw Liza she give me a hug ask how the family was and give me a smile that light up the rest of my day. We lost a loving human being.
My family and I send our genuine condolences to Andrew and his family. So very sorry for your loss. May your memories of Liza keep her close and give you comfort and peace.
The Ertle family
Meeting Liza at the Medicine Woman’s Retreat was an honor. There was an instant trust and healthy energy exchange.
I am truly sorry to hear of her passing.
Love to all she held in her heart
I am so sorry for all of Liza’s family and friends. I remember the sweet fun loving young girl who was my daughter’s best friend from kindergarten . We enjoyed watching them play together in the neighborhood and later were so happy to attend her marriage to Dave. May Liza now rest in peace and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family to give them comfort.
Bob Havey, I’m so sorry for your loss. I just barely had met Liza and she had a lot of energy, lol… I thought she was amazing, generous and just a great soul. I’m sorry, monster…