Elizabeth Ward Haynes died on February 24, 2017, at the age of 19. Lizzie, as she was affectionately known, was the daughter of Ann Renzi Haynes and the late W. Ward Haynes of Rye. Her father Ward died on September 11, 2001.
In addition to her mother, Ann, Lizzie is survived by her siblings: Terence (TJ), her twin, William (Billy), Michael, and Katie; her paternal grandmother, Barbara B. Haynes of Rye; and her maternal grandparents, Eugene and Joyce Renzi of Sarasota, Florida and Sackets Harbor, N.Y. She also leaves many adoring aunts, Katie Haynes Pepe (Bill), Laurie Renzi Gadsden (Philip), Jennifer Renzi Kelly (Philip), uncles, TJ Haynes, Eugene Renzi (Kristin), and David Renzi (Jessica), and cousins.
She battled daily seizures from the time she was six months old. These devastating seizures took their toll, causing her to be both physically and mentally handicapped.
“Although unable to speak and confined to a wheelchair, Lizzie inspired us daily and showed us what is truly important in life,” said her family. “She reminded us to appreciate how precious life is and gave us the opportunity to make us all better people. Her smiles and laughter lit up a room and gave us pure joy and gratitude.”
Giving to the very end, Lizzie Haynes was able to help so many others and their families with the gift of organ transplants.
The Haynes family would like to say a special thank-you to all of Elizabeth’s loving and generous support team. “Her teachers, aides, doctors, nurses, school administrators, caretakers, and friends gave her such amazing care, compassion and support, and for this we are forever grateful. We are comforted knowing that Lizzie is at peace and with her dad and others who were waiting for her with open arms.”
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 6 at Church of the Resurrection. Donations can be made in Elizabeth’s memory to Center For Discovery, C/O Angela Tokas, P.O. Box 840, Harris, New York 12742, or to The W. Ward Haynes Scholarship Fund, 278 Rye Beach Avenue, Rye, New York 10580.
