Obituary: Elizabeth (Liz) Keay
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August 1, 1933 – November 6, 2025
It is with great joy and sadness that we let you all know of Liz Keay’s passing at 12 noon on Fri, Thursday, November 6th. She passed gracefully and peacefully at her home in Denver surrounded by a number of people that loved her.
Elizabeth (“Liz”) Mary Keay (Schneider) was a proud cheesehead from Wisconsin who lived a life enriched by deep friendships, community service, intellectual curiosity, travel, and adventure.
Born on August 1, 1933, in Milwaukee, Liz nurtured a love of learning and exploration from an early age—a passion that shaped her entire life. She attended Northwestern University, earning her undergraduate degree in English, and soon began her professional career. She contributed to scientific research involving HeLa cells at Monsanto before moving on to McDonnell Aircraft Company, where she used her analytical strengths to create graphs and visual data representations for experimental projects.
Guided by compassion and a desire to support others, Liz pursued graduate studies at Saint Louis University, earning her Master of Social Work. She went on to serve as a psychiatric social worker in the acute care ward of Malcolm Bliss Psychiatric Hospital in St. Louis. Her empathy, professionalism, and dedication made a lasting impact on countless individuals and families. Liz later became Director of a housing program that provided apartments and daily living support for those discharged from Malcolm Bliss—work that allowed her to help even more people build the foundations for healthier lives.
Liz’s lifelong love of travel was sparked early by her mother, who encouraged her to spend a semester of high school studying abroad in Vienna. That formative experience ignited a passion for seeing the world that never faded. Over her lifetime, she explored nearly every continent. Her curiosity, adventurous spirit, and global perspective became defining hallmarks of who she was.
After retirement, Liz began visiting her brother in Denver and soon felt the pull of the mountains. She eventually made the Vail Valley her home, settling in Eagle-Vail. There, she volunteered with numerous social service organizations and found a true community with Rotary. She joined the Vail Rotary Club in 2009, served in several leadership roles including President, and traveled on international service projects with both the local club and Rotary International.
One of her first friends in the Vail Valley was Linda Zerangue, a fellow St. Louis and Vail Valley acquaintance. Linda introduced her to the Dauntless Dames hiking group, and Liz’s love of the mountains deepened through years of unforgettable hikes. One of her great joys were the dogs in her life who accompanied her as she hiked the Rocky Mountains. The group remembers the many dinners and events at her home in Eagle-Vail.
Liz was also a devoted supporter of Bravo! Vail, hosting performers in her home—including acclaimed bassoonist Peter Kolkay, who became a lifelong friend. Her commitment to volunteerism continued throughout her years in the valley, where she gave her time and energy to many organizations.
The last three years, Liz lived in Denver enjoying the Colorado Symphony, the theater and plays. Her love of music came from her family and the concerto’s they would play in their living room after chores were done. Play a few bars of any piece of classical music and Liz named the piece.
Liz was preceded in death by her son, stepson, sister and two brothers. She is survived by her step daughter-in-law Joanne Keay, her step-grandchildren Jessica Keay and her family, Justin Keay and his wife, and her step great-granddaughter, Lauren Killian in Missouri as well as numerous nieces and nephews in California, Colorado, Missouri and Wisconsin.
A celebration of life will take place in the summer of 2026.
