Elizabeth Jean (Oberlander) Deming

February 5, 1969 - July 14, 2023

Elizabeth Deming passed away peacefully on July 14, 2023 at the age of 54.

Elizabeth found joy in caring for others as a mother, friend, and occupational therapist. At the end of her life, the blessings she had bestowed were returned in kind. She spent her last days immersed in the love of family and friends. Though cancer had taken her voice, she glowed as prayers, conversation and laughter filled the room. Elizabeth was a source of comfort, constancy and wisdom to many. Her memory and spirit will always guide those who knew her.

Elizabeth Jean Oberlander was born on February 5, 1969 to parents John and Ida. She spoke fondly of childhood in Franklin Square, NY, on Long Island, with her older sister, Cathy, and younger brother, Eric. Her mother recalled Elizabeth as a happy child who would wake up singing in her crib. Elizabeth attended nearby schools where she formed lifelong friendships with her classmates. A positive outlook and long-lasting friendships were two hallmarks of Elizabeth's life.

After graduating from Valley Stream North High School in 1987, Elizabeth attended McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, where she studied occupational therapy. Moving to Montreal was the first of many adventures that would define Elizabeth's journey as a young woman. She also spent time in Calgary and Halifax where she discovered her lifelong passion for travel and outdoor activities.

After college Elizabeth lived and worked in Manhattan NY, collected friendships from around the world, developed her skills in outdoor photography, and took every opportunity to go hiking and improve her outdoor skills.  After an extended backpacking tour of Europe, Elizabeth made plans to experience her home country by practicing occupational therapy in various regions. That plan came apart when she met Paul Deming on the first day of her first trip in Richland Washington. Their first adventure together was a long day of hiking on Mount Rainier.

Paul and Elizabeth were married on October 12, 1996, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Kennewick, WA. They moved to Vancouver, WA in August of 1998.

Elizabeth and Paul's greatest adventure began when their daughter Maria was born in the summer of 2000. In the fall of 2001, Elizabeth began work as a School Based Occupational Therapist for Evergreen School District in Vancouver. Christina arrived in the winter of 2003, Brian in the Fall of 2006, and Daniel in the Spring of 2012. In work and family life, Elizabeth found her calling in caring for children.

Elizabeth organized the family around the Catholic faith, travel, and hiking. The family was consistently involved at the Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater in Vancouver where Elizabeth was often a supportive friend to other mothers. These were busy but wonderful years. There were annual family visits to New York, summer camping expeditions, and more than a few epic road trips.   Most weekends there were family walks and hikes.  For trips Elizabeth's favorites were Ruby Beach, the San Juan Islands, and Yellowstone National Park - and always New York.

Elizabeth was devoted to her job as well as her family. Her coworkers' devotion during her battle with pancreatic cancer illustrated the respect Elizabeth had earned and the impact she had made. Similarly, Elizabeth made many close friendships in her St. James church community and through scouting with Brian and Danny.

Through the challenges of motherhood, career and cancer, it was rare to hear Elizabeth complain. She was always happy when around her people.  She cherished daily walks and local explorations, scouting excursions with Brian and Danny, listening to Christina's fiddle, and attending Maria and Ryan's wedding in December of 2022.

Elizabeth passed away while praying with Paul early in the morning of July 14, 2023, at Sunnyside Hospital in Clackamas, OR. She is preceded in death by her father, John Oberlander. She is survived by her mother Ida Oberlander, sister Cathy, brother Eric (Katie), husband Paul, daughters Maria (Ryan) and Christina, sons Brian and Daniel, and stepson Casey (Jess).

Funeral services will be a 11:00 AM on Monday August 7, 2023, with Rosary to precede at 10:30 AM at the Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater 218 W 12th St, Vancouver, WA, 98660. A reception will be held afterwards at Sellbergs Tavern 2110 St. Johns BLVD, Vancouver, WA 98661.  The family will arrive after internment at Mother Joseph Cemetery.

For more information call Paul Deming ‪(360) 207-4062 or email prdeming@gmail.com

Please consider donations in lieu of flowers.

Saint Vincent de Paul of Vancouver, WA https://www.svdpvancouverusa.org/

BSA Troop 554 https://square.link/u/fTwv1o0Y

Union High School Cross Country Booster Club. PayPal: unionxcboosters@gmail.com; or mail to Kris Bennett at 2400 NE 170th Ave Vancouver WA 98684.