Liz Carra

All who knew Liz Carra would agree that she touched the lives of so many around her in such a special way. There was no greater gift in her life than her family, and although she treasured her roles as a wife and mother she just might have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandmother later in life. Guided by an unwavering faith, Liz faced whatever came her way head on and made the best of every circumstance. Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Life during the 1960s was certainly exciting in America. We elected the young John F. Kennedy as our youngest President of the United States, only to mourn his death a few months later. Marilyn Monroe and James Dean were big names on the sliver screen, and by the end of the decade we had put the first man on the moon. This was an exciting time in the lives of Philip and Susanna (Thias) Boyer as well as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of summer began to unfold in May of 1963. Their wait was over when the baby girl they named Elizabeth drew her first breath on May 13th.

Raised in Mattawan, Michigan, Liz was one of 13 children as she was joined in her family by her siblings, Larry, Rosemary, Steve, Teresa, John, Phil, Mark, Eleanor, Kathleen, Nick, Kelly and Maria

Theirs was a traditional Catholic family, and with such a large family she helped care for some of her younger siblings. Sometimes, Liz could come across as a bit bossy. She enjoyed many things such as feeding the chickens, and as a student she attended local schools. Liz spent her high school years at Mattawan High School, where she enjoyed learning to cook and sew in home economics class.

After graduating from high school in 1981, Liz was eager for all that life had in store. She enlisted in the United States Navy and served her country. New and exciting changes were in store for Liz when she met and later married the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Paul Carra, and with the desire to spend the rest of their lives together they were married on December 29, 1990, at St. Mary Church in Kalamazoo. Together she and Paul welcomed 10 children including Cecilia, Tim, Mary, Emily, Catherine, Dan, Teresa, Rachel, Anastasia, and Briella into their hearts and home. As a mother Liz had patience that was limitless and never let things bother her. She encouraged her kids to do the same, often telling them that “the day is what you make it” as well as to, “Do what you love and love what you do.” Liz ran an efficient home, making sure her kids were ready for school by laying out their school clothes the night before. She made caring for her home seem effortless, and when Mother’s Day came around she didn’t ask for much — just a nap, for someone else to clean the house, and that there was no fighting amongst the kids.

The majority of Liz’s treasured moments were spent with her family. They looked forward to camping, and they also took a memorable trip to Mackinaw City. With her family as the center of her life, Liz loved when everyone all got together. Everything was a celebration, and Christmas was filled with traditions. Liz was an amazing cook who always put on a big breakfast spread for her family on Christmas, and the rule was that presents were not to be opened until after 6 a.m. Liz truly loved being in the kitchen and could seemingly make a meal out of just about anything. With so many mouths to feed she also made their budget stretch by mastering the art of coupons and finding the best deals. Liz often read with her children, and she regularly led them in prayers at night. Although they had a large family, she made sure that each of her kids knew they were uniquely loved. Liz made an effort to carve out time with each of her kids, even if it was just watching a television show or movie together. She was gentle, compassionate, and selfless when it came to her children, which gave her children the best example to model themselves after. Liz loved being a grandmother, and she especially cherished the baby time with her grandchildren. Over the years she collected merchandise from the Pioneer Woman with her children, and her cooking show was a favorite among Liz and her girls. They even had a special trip planned for her 60th birthday when they were heading to visit the restaurant in Oklahoma.

Even though much of her time was spent with her family, Liz had interests she enjoyed pursuing as she could. She was very active in the church and held their various traditions and rituals in high regard. Liz especially liked “The Servant Song.” She enjoyed watching True Crime Channel, and Wheel of Fortune was a nightly ritual with her girls. The girls would comb out her hair while they watched. It’s a Wonderful Life was Liz’s favorite movie, and she enjoyed music from both Shania Twain and ABBA.

Although she was taken from her loved ones too soon, Elizabeth “Liz” Carra touched the lives of so many around her. She could always see the bright side of any situation, and she enjoyed the simple things in life. Liz experienced so many amazing things, but nothing was better than sharing them with the ones she loved. She had a great sense of humor and loved making those around her laugh with her humorous stories and thoughts. Life will never be the same without Liz here, but her memory will be forever cherished by those who knew her best.

Elizabeth “Liz” Carra died on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Borgess Hospital. Members of her family include her husband Paul; 10 Children: Cecilia (Mack) Reeves, Tim (Kiersten) Carra, Mary (Thomas) Hengesbach, Emily Carra, Catherine (Connor) Henshaw, Dan Carra, Teresa Carra, Rachel Carra, Anastasia Carra , Briella Carra; 8 grandchildren: Felicity, Jameson, Ollie, Adeline, Mabel, Leo, Eliza, Isabella; 8 Siblings: Larry, Rosemary, Teresa, John, Mark “LT”, Nick, Kelly, Maria. She was preceded in death by her Parents and 4 siblings: Phil and Steve, Eleanor and Kathleen. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks and stories will be shared on Monday, October 17th from 5-7 pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Tuesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 645 Douglas Ave., Three Rivers. Visit Liz’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic School.