Elizabeth Meister McKenna

Elizabeth M. McKenna, (Liz), 95, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2025 with family present.

Liz was born on September 11, 1930 in Iowa City, Iowa to Ed and Clara Meister and was raised in Denver, CO.  She graduated from Colorado College (CC) with a degree in math. She met her future husband, Phil McKenna, also at CC, on a ski slope in Winter Park.  They were married for 52 years and had many adventures together.  They raised their family in a loving, supportive and active household.  They lived in Washington D.C., Illinois, Wyoming and Oklahoma before moving back to Colorado in 1974. They were able to explore much of the U.S. and travel to many countries.

Liz was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She cherished her family and her many friends. She was always present in our lives and never missed a chance to get together and join in the fun.

She was heavily involved in the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Rocky Mountain Geological Association Woman’s Auxiliary and Lutheran church.  She also enjoyed book clubs, and sewing, neighborhood and tap dance groups.  Liz was a kind, compassionate, adventurous and gentle soul who shared her many talents so generously with others.  She will be greatly missed.

Liz is survived by her children, Don (Margo Constable), Robert (Debbie Anderson) and Ann Westling (Charlie) her 6 grandchildren, Sarah Garthe (Clay), Lisa McKenna, Allyson Westling (Maciek Swiech), Jessica Westling, Nathan McKenna, Audrey McKenna and her three great-grandchildren, Owen Garthe, Eryn Garthe and Laura Swiech.

We are so grateful for her amazing caretakers at The Vi Care Center and the Choice Hospice Team.

A celebration of Liz’s life will be held on January 19, 2026 at 10:30 am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 6322 S. Lakeview St., Littleton, CO 80120.

Memorials may be made to: National Glaucoma Research - Bright Focus Foundation and the Alpha 1 Foundation.

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