Memorial

Elizabeth Anne Rockwell, 47, died unexpectedly at her home in Mount Vernon, Saturday, October 8, 2016.  Liz, the daughter of Melvin Daniel and Melody Neustrom Rockwell, was born on September 17, 1969, in Cedar Rapids.  She is survived by her parents, brother Jess (Jennie) Rockwell, Cedar Rapids, and her sister Rachel Rockwell, Tanzania, as well as her nieces Meagan and Ellie Rockwell, and nephews Robert and Jonathon Rockwell, Cedar Rapids, and Raman Rockwell, Tanzania, and grandniece LaNaya and grandnephews Martrez and  JayCeon, Des Moines.

Liz’s entire life was compromised by exposure to a pesticide for the first nine months of her life.  As an infant, she was not expected to live, yet thrived in spite of multiple special needs and recurring hospitalizations.  At age 21, Liz graduated with a certificate of completion from Washington High School.  For the past 11 years, Liz has been ably cared for by REM staff in Hiawatha and more recently in Mount Vernon.  Over the years, Liz worked at Mercy Hospital, Goodwill Industries and RDS work sites, enjoying best the work assignments that kept her busy.   She was our spunky darling, who loved jamming out, singing and dancing, hiking, Camp Courageous, the Mall of America… and her collections of hats, thermos mugs and key chains.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October, 13, 2016 at Christ Episcopal Church: 220 40th Street NE, Cedar Rapids.  The family will welcome friends in the hour preceding the funeral in the Gundrum Parlor, Christ Episcopal Church. 

Donations to honor Liz’s life may be made to the Arc of East Central Iowa or REM Iowa Developmental Services.