It’s Eric here (Liz’s son).
As many of you know, and I’m so heartbroken to say, my mom passed away yesterday morning. 😞
I miss her so much. It’s been hard, for me and also my dad. I know I’m not alone. I really appreciate everyone who has reached out to check on me during this time. It has helped more than you know. ❤️
I know she touched so many of our lives in so many beautiful ways. And she leaves an incredible legacy.
When news spread of her passing, the outpouring of love and support for my mom from those who love her has been so heartwarming and full of stories, just as I know she would have loved.
Many who knew my mom, as well as many from the SOBcon and GeniusShared community, have suggested doing an informal virtual gathering in her memory. Not a funeral, but something unique, in the spirit of what would make her smile.
Jane Boyd and a few friends of my mom are co-creating this.
If you’d like to join us, we’ve set aside Thursday, September 17, 1–3pm Pacific Time. More will be shared soon here and on social media
Love. ❤️
Kneale Mann says
September 11, 2020 at 12:16 PMEric
I just lost my mom and feel your personal pain. Your mom helped me a lot and was a great colleague and had me as her guest at SOBCon Chicago.
Your mom was awesome and remains awesome in our hearts. My profound condolences for your unthinkable loss.
Eric T. Strauss says
September 11, 2020 at 12:36 PMOh no, I’m so sorry to hear for your loss as well. And it warms my heart to hear my mom touched your life. Am starting to see more of her in myself through this process, and it gives me some moments of peace and gratitude in the midst of the deep sadness.
Easton Ellsworth says
September 12, 2020 at 9:36 AMEric, Your mom is an amazing person. She mentored and inspired me many years ago.
Eric T. Strauss says
September 15, 2020 at 7:03 PMSo happy to hear that Easton. She mentored and inspired me too. 🙂
Nancy (Worsley) Roberts says
September 13, 2020 at 4:48 PMEric, will this tribute be available at a later time to see?? You have not met met be it I am Aunt Kay’s daughter & grew up with your Mom!! I got her hand me downs!! Please let me know if I can view the tributes. We were separated but I kept in touch via text & will miss her humor & love ❤️. I hope to meet you some day, Eric!! She was so proud of you.. please give your Dad my regards .
Eric T. Strauss says
September 15, 2020 at 7:16 PMHi Nancy.. thanks for the note! And yep I know who you are! She told me many stories from those days as we were going through photos from back in the day together. I’ll send you an email so you have mine too.
Lori Ruff says
October 7, 2020 at 10:49 PMEric, I’m so sorry I didn’t see this in time to attend! I had major surgery Aug 21 and got home last week from rehab. Your mom was a virtual mentor as I grew as an international speaker, especially after my diagnosis with Rheamtoid Arthritis. I first met her (and you!) in person at my first keynote at the social media summit in Hawaii in October of 2012, two weeks after I lost my dad.
Hearing her say she didn’t know what to expect from “The LinkedIn Rockstars” but was “pleasantly surprised, especially when I saw how much value you delivered” in a way the audience could quickly grasp and retain. I have never forgotten that compliment. I held her in such high esteem.
Right after our stage appearance, your mom was on and the room was crowded but I managed to get up to the front of the room even though I was late getting out off the main stage. I was NOT going to miss her! She just about had to swallow the mic, she was so hoarse.
At dinner we had to find a quiet place and we talked into the night. She said she wanted to rest her voice so asked about my career, my fight with RA, and the loss of my dad.
Mike and I stayed in Hawaii a total of two weeks and when I checked in on her after I got home, I learned about her hospital visit in CA midway home. I cannot imagine how difficult yet bittersweet so many of the moments of the last eight years has been yet I know how glad she was you were with her on that trip. It was the time I learned to appreciate the memories I had of my dad; it must have been the time you would learn to make many more meaningful memories with your mom on purpose.
My most sincere and deepest condolences. I would cherish the opportunity to visit with you once again and to talk with your dad. My husband got his wings January 30, 2018. So, from both perspectives I have an understanding, yet still cannot begin to know how you must be feeling. Know that I am holding you both up in my prayers.
– most affectionately and gratefully,
Lori Ruff, formerly well known as The LinkedIn Diva
on sabattical for the last 3 1/2 years
Please feel free to reach out. my number is on my LinkedIn profile and accessible to friends on my Facebook profile.