Elizabeth Scheidelman Droz, an inspiring force of nature, passed away at the age of ___ on ____________.
“Do not detain me, now that the LORD has granted success to my journey. Send me on my way so I may go to my master.” — Genesis 24:56
Elizabeth Hot air ballooning above the Serengeti
Elizabeth was the co-founder of the Good News Foundation and Coldwell Banker Faith Properties, which she built alongside her beloved husband, Deacon John Droz Sr. Her life was a tapestry of bold adventures and daring choices — ever embracing the extraordinary and defying convention. Emblematic of this spirit, at age 94, she soared in a hot air balloon above the Serengeti while on safari in Africa.
Coldwell Banker Faith Properties (Co-Founder)
Young Elizabeth in Yorkville
Born in 1923 in Yorkville, New York, Elizabeth was the eldest of LeRoy and Hazel Beekman Scheidelman, She grew up alongside her brothers, Shy and Dr. Ronald Scheidelman. Her heart found its match in Deacon John Droz, with whom she shared 66 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 2009.
LeRoy & Hazel Scheidelman wedding day
Elizabeth's life was animated by a deep faith and a quest for adventure and a love of the Adirondacks. From a young age, she traveled the globe, and broke barriers as the first female president of her senior class at Cornell University.
Dark Island, Brantingham Lake, AdirondacksOld Forge/Camp Adirondacks
Starting at age two, the Adirondacks (in Inlet) was the backdrop to Elizabeth's life story, and growth. When married, she spent summers on Dark Island at Brantingham Lake and later made Old Forge her home.
Elizabeth and Kids, Cris Craft at Brantingham Lake
Elizabeth's was steeped in religious education, beginning at Sacred Heart School—built by her grandfather, I. Earl Beekman. As a teen, her family moved to Whitesboro, where she found a guiding light in Natalie Primeau Weiss, who taught her the subtleties of adulthood—from dancing to writing a successful Cornell application. Natalie's most significant contribution, was directing Elizabeth's heart toward John Droz.
Eliabeth with Natalie Primeau Weiss
Elizabeth wearing Cornell University Outfit (Senior Class President)
As a trailblazer, Elizabeth became the first female president of her senior class at Cornell University in 1944 — a remarkable feat during the height of World War II, when few women pursued higher education.
After graduating, she contributed her skills to P.F. Scheidelman and Sons, the family business. John Droz, her high school sweetheart, had made the brave choice to enlist in the Air Force, just months short of his own graduation. Flying 50 missions over Germany as lead Navigator, John received numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.
John Droz Sr. — WWII Navigator
John & Elizabeth's Wedding Day
Elizabeth and John’s love story blossoming into a lifelong partnership. John’s habit of stopping by the church during their dates reassured Elizabeth of his potential as a devoted husband and father. On May 26, 1945, they exchanged vows at St. Paul’s Church in Whitesboro. Elizabeth and John waltzed through life together, sharing their love of dance as charter members of the Dance Group Debonair's and later, the Patrician’s.
Elizabeth & Family
As a dedicated mother of nine, Elizabeth also played a pivotal role in their education, leading parent-teacher organizations and clubs like the Cub Scouts. She taught her children piano and the joys of cultivating a garden.
Once her children were grown, Elizabeth pursued further education and spiritual growth, earning a Master’s degree with high honors from Syracuse University, focusing on Theology.
John & Elizabeth
Elizabeth and John's spiritual journey was rich and expansive. They were charter members of the Legion of Mary, active in the Christian Family Movement, founding members of the Charismatic Spiritual Renewal. Their partnership extended to leading Marriage Encounters and Cursillo retreats. In later years, they wintered in Naples, Florida, where they devoted themselves to Cardinal Newman studies for seven years.
They traveled to over 70 countries. In each destination, they sought to witness how Jesus manifested within the Catholic Church worldwide, sharing their insights in talks and lectures. They paid homage to Marian Shrines at Fatima, Lourdes, and Medjugorje and visited Dr. Cho’s vibrant congregation in Seoul, Korea, sparking their interest in the concept of Renew. In their travels they met the Papal Nuncio in Istanbul, who pondered, "Here we are in the Cradle of Christianity, but where is the Baby?"
Good News Foundation (Co-Founder)
In 1992, John envisioned the Good News Foundation, and Elizabeth stood with him as Co-Executive Director for 13 years. The foundation became a cherished accomplishment, promoting Christ’s message through grassroots efforts, including training Hospitality Ministers in multiple parishes.
Elizabeth in Naples, Florida
After John's passing, Elizabeth In 2016, relocated to The Carlisle in Naples, Florida, where her leadership continued through a weekly "scripture sharing session."
Elizabeth with Yenifer Silva Rojas (Yeni)
John and Elizabeth were Godparents to Trudy Scheidelman Menzzento, Carol Bankert Carpentier, Edward Scheidelman and Christina Louise Perretta. Elizabeth was Godmother to James Domser and Richard Beekman. In her later years, after breaking her hip in 2023, she was blessed with the devoted care of Yenifer Silva Rojas, whose kindness brought her laughter, joy and peace.
She is survived by her brother, Dr Ronald Scheidelman, daughter, Donna and her husband George Montag, of Elk, California; five sons, John, Jr. and his wife Elaine, of Brantingham and North Carolina; Philippe, of Las Vegas; Christopher of San Diego California; Martin of Old Forge and Vienna, NY; Thomas, of New Hartford and Fort Lauderdale, Fl; a beloved daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Converse Droz, 4 grandchildren -Mary Therese George and Joy Vanderhoof and Mimosa Clark and Zappa Montag, 5 great-grandsons, Augustine John Vanderhoof, Christopher Isaac Vanderhoof, Gabriel More Vanderhoof, Damian Vanderhoof, Zoli Clark, 3 great granddaughters Evelyn May Vanderhoof, Elizabeth Grace George, Nova Clark and several beloved nieces- especially Layla Groleau, Amaal Tokars and Huda Scheidelman, several nephews and cousins. She leaves many friends at Acacia also close friends at The Carlisle, in Naples FL. She was predeceased by her sons Stephen in 2019, Laurence in 2022 and daughter, Marietta in 1980.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Heintz. Mass @ St. Joseph/St. Patrick w/Pastor. In place of flowers, please consider a donation to Mark Seven Depaul House of Studies (for deaf priests) in care of: Ms. Jessica Spartano, 411 Locust Drive, Utica, NY 13502. Internment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Elizabeth’s grace, faith, and sense of adventure touched countless lives. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.
Elizabeth/ Sons Tom/ChrisElizabeth/Joy's familyBrother Ron/family
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