Obituary: Elizabeth Ann Kendall

Elizabeth Ann Kendall was born June 10, 1952 in Mason Michigan and raised in Mio Michigan, her true hometown. She graduated from Mio AuSable High School, Central Michigan University and obtained an MBA from Oakland University. She worked in the Budget Dept of Oakland University for a time, as well as West Chester University in Pennsylvania, but later settled back in Michigan and became the Director of Budget and Finance at Oakland Community College for over 13 years.
She is survived by her mother, Ruth Kendall (Marsh), spouse Torii Hamilton, and five siblings, John, Bob (Kathy), Fred, Mary ( Tim Miller) and Bill ( Laura) and many nieces and nephews and other beloved relatives.
Preferring to be known as Beth, she came out in 1996, and threw herself headlong into enjoying life while being true to herself. She joined the Women's Rap group at Affirmations and met many of her long-time friends there. Beth loved to dance and often danced well into the wee hours with her friends. She also loved good conversation, a rousing game of cards, great books and things that challenged or stimulated her mind. She could do the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle in a single afternoon without cheating.
Beth met Torii as part of the Affirmations Women's Rap group in 1996.
In 2003, when Ontario, Canada announced it would be honoring same-sex marriages, and it happened on Beth's birthday, she took it as a sign that it was timeand she proposed to Torii. Torii and Beth were married just outside Niagara Falls, on July 4, 2003 with their best buddies, Scott and Sid as witnesses. Beth and Torii had almost 11 blissful years together.
Beth battled ovarian cancer for over three years, and recently the effort left her weaker and needing more care. Torii took family leave to stay home and care for her and was always at her side, even in the hospital.
When she came home from the hospital on Aug. 29, she was happy to be back in her own house, with the comfort of her cats and familiar surroundings. She saw her sister Mary, niece Hannah and great niece Raquelle that afternoon and took joy from all of them. The next morning she awoke and talked normally and calmly with Torii, and then shortly after, at 7:40 am, made her transition peacefully, with Torii by her side.
Now Beth wants all her family and friends to know that it is important to live each day as a gift. The most important things in life are our family and friends, so spend as much time with them as you can.
The Memorial Service for Beth Kendall was held on Sept. 10 at MCC-Detroit in Ferndale.
Beth supported many organizations, among them Affirmations, Gilda's Club-Metro Detroit, REGAP (greyhound rescue) and the Ruth Ellis Center. She believed in giving back and helping others and would encourage those who wish to express well-wishes to donate to one of these organizations, or to one of their own choosing.