Elizabeth Ann Schatkun   

     Born Elizabeth Ann Schatkun on Feb. 16, 1991, she was forever known as Beth.  After spending a week in the NICU, Beth came home to our house in West Babylon and “hit the ground running” Beth loved to explore and no where was that more evident then at Clark center where she went while I worked. Beth and her buddies were into everything and soaked up knowledge like little sponges.  What a great foundation.  

     We moved to Westchester as Beth entered kindergarten.  George Washington Elementary was her new learning spot.  Beth tried several sports and activities and finally settled on swimming (which would become her passion) and girl scouts.  Beth spent several summers at Rock Hill.  Beth enjoyed school and was bright well beyond her years.  I lost many an argument.  She always down played her academic success so that her friends wouldn’t feel bad.  In 1999 we welcomed her little brother to the family.  RJ would follow Beth wherever she went.  And she went every where.  In addition to traveling with her father all over the country to watch Islander and Yankee games, Beth traveled with People to People- a student ambassador organization. 

     After 7th grade, Beth traveled with P2P to Europe and visited France, Spain and Italy. The following year, the group went to Australia and New Zealand.  The friendships she made on these trips were amazing.  But the glue that held Beth together was her friends at school.  Between texting and IMing, Beth was always in touch with her friends, she was the “dear Abby of the group.  Always trying to help everyone else.  Always smiling.  Always busy.  Many of her evenings were spent swimming at Festa, LCBMS and Cook Pool.  She loved competing in the backstroke and the distance events.  The Condors were her club team, L/P Rebels were her school team and she swam summer rec.  It was exhausting just trying to keep up with her. 

     High school brought new activities.  Her dad Jimmy was shocked when Beth joined Habitat for Humanity.  He just never pictured her using a hammer or paint brush but she did, going on several builds with Lakeland HS. She also became county champ at Public speaking in 9th grade.  Not sure where in the family that came from.  Not from me!  What turned out to be her last accomplishment was getting her driving license.  Bribing her brother into getting Dad to get her a car-than she would get him a Wii.  RJ loves his Wii!

Beth packed a lot of living into 16 years and we are all the better for living it with her!!!