Elizabeth "Liz" Erin Scott (Baessler), age 44, passed away peacefully on May 17th, 2025, after a heroic two-year battle with cancer. Her fight was a testimony to the strength and perseverance she personified throughout her life, as well as to her defiance of the status quo. Liz has asked us to remember that, as with any heroine or hero, the legacy she leaves will always be mightier than the enemy she battled.

Whether it was in reading, listening, or writing one for others, Liz had an affinity for a great story. And as all great stories begin with, "Once Upon a Time," hers did as well.

Once Upon a Time, (July 1st, 1980,) Liz, who was never one to be late to a gathering, was born five weeks premature to Patricia and Tom Baessler. Liz's childhood, shared within her extensive family, grew dimensionally with the birth of her sister and life-long friend, Katherine. In her sister she found an intelligent, like-minded, hilariously witty, and fierce co-conspirator for all things "Baessler."

A graduate of Farmington Hills High School, Liz continued her education, earning both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education, from Eastern Michigan University. Liz's passion for all things reading and writing lead her to her dream career, with her dream team, at Honey Creek Community School in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

To understand Liz is to understand her passion for teaching. As a Middle School ELA educator, Liz was a fierce advocate for helping others, "learn to read," so they could, "read to learn." Her lessons were innovative and original, delivered via the love for her craft, consistently sprinkled with humor, and always student-centered. Liz's professional superpowers centered around her ability to build lasting relationships with her students. She was a master of literary engagement and used her teaching tools to coax, to challenge, and to inspire.

Liz's love story with her husband, Matt, became truly epic with the birth of their daughter, Ayla Indigo (also five weeks early!), their greatest joy and triumph. For 23 years, "Matt and Liz" grew as best friends, as a couple, then into a family, all while widening and strengthening their impressive circle of friends. As strong-willed, immensely talented, and big-hearted individuals, together they have raised their daughter to be fiercely intelligent, brave, and beautifully grounded in love, humor, and family. Liz and Matt's wedding vows were a promise to carry the love and devotion they felt for each other on their wedding day, onward, throughout their lives together. Matt's love and promise to care for Liz in times of illness, decline, and uncertainty was unwavering— his care for Liz, was in her own words, "heroic."

Liz was an avid open-water swimmer (hold the seaweed), a connoisseur of espresso drinks, a "pun-doubted" purveyor of punny jokes, and a fair and foul weather fan of the Detroit Tigers.

Once a year, Liz found her way to her favorite place on Earth along the shores of Lake Michigan. At a summer cottage near Onekama, Michigan, where her family had rented for decades, Liz found peace and time to reset and reconnect with family. Her most favorite memories were of introducing Matt and Ayla to the magic there.

Liz's battle with cancer was not her "happily ever after." Although we keenly feel the loss of her presence, her chosen profession has gifted her with a truly never-ending story. Any teacher will tell you that the seeds they sow each day are for a forest they may never see. Liz's life's work was to support her students, cultivate their learning and growth, and then send them on their way with the skills to write stories of their own. In her darkest moments, she missed her 'kids', her classroom, and the energy she received from them all. Teaching was her calling, her gift, and her legacy.

To Matt and Ayla, her beloved students, and dearest friends, you carry her hope, her love for learning, and her life's work with you now. Her story will forever be a part of yours.

Elizabeth Baessler-Scott is survived by her husband Matthew Scott and daughter Ayla; her sister, Katherine (Jason Promo), and her father Thomas Baessler; many beloved cousins, aunts and uncles.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Patrica Baessler.

Elizabeth's entire family is welcoming everyone to join them Wednesday, May 28, 3-9 pm at the funeral home, to share memories with each other and remember a wonderful life well lived.

Matt and Ayla are facing a difficult journey after the passing of Liz, who fought valiantly against cancer. Many have supported Liz through her treatments and renovations to their home, enabling her to remain comfortable during her final days. Now, it's time for us to extend our support to Matt and Ayla as they navigate life without her.

We have an opportunity to ease their transition by contributing to a fund aimed at covering memorial costs, establishing a 529 Savings Plan for Ayla's future education, and providing a much-needed vacation for them this summer. These contributions will help them create new memories and honor Liz's legacy. https://gofund.me/d6d1519f

Your generosity can make a meaningful difference in their lives during this challenging time. Thank you for considering supporting Matt and Ayla as they move forward.

Please also consider supporting Angela Hospice in Livonia. The care and support they have provided for the family was essential for Liz's care. We are forever grateful.