Obituary of Elizabeth “Liz” Healy: A Life That Truly Made a Difference
Elizabeth “Liz” Healy, 49, passed away on Sunday, February 8, in New York City after a courageous, nearly four-year battle with Stage IV colorectal cancer—the leading cause of cancer death for people under 50. She faced her illness as she lived her life: with extraordinary courage, relentless energy, deep faith, generosity, sharp wit, and an unwavering commitment to showing up for others. After being diagnosed, Liz dedicated her immense talents and energy to colorectal cancer advocacy – saving lives – this became her purpose. Never asking “why me”, she embraced everyone, and everything she did, with her positive spirt.
Liz was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, James “Jimmy” Reichbach, and a fiercely loving mother to their daughter, Ella, 15, the pride and joy of her life. She was also a cherished stepmother to Caitlin (Sebastian) and Emily (Frank), whom she affectionately called her “bonus daughters,” and a thrilled grandmother to four beautiful granddaughters. Family was the center of Liz’s world.
Liz was the youngest of four and shared lifelong close bonds with her surviving brothers Robert (Margaret), Thomas (Barbara), and Richard (Katie) Healy. She was a treasured aunt to her nieces and nephews, godmother to many, and a beloved “ZZ” to generations of children who adored her warmth and energy. She also remained deeply connected to her extended family – aunts, uncles and cousins – across the U.S. and Ireland.
Liz was born and raised in Bronxville, NY by her caring parents, the late Frank and Patricia (nee Kehoe) Healy. She attended St. Joseph’s School in Bronxville and The Ursuline School in New Rochelle (Class of 1994),where she loved seeing her aunt, Sr. Regina Kehoe, in the halls daily. Her athleticism and confidence were established by age 8 when she became a catcher — and one of only a few girl baseball players — in the Tuckahoe Youth Association. She later earned a B.S. from Cornell University (‘98), where she served as captain of the nationally ranked women’s crew team and received Cornell Crew Big Stick Award for exceptional leadership and spirit In her final year of battling this disease, the team honored her by naming a boat (“Irish Liz Healy”) after her—an acknowledgment that deeply moved her and symbolized, as she loved to say, her spirit living. More recently Liz had the exceptional honor of serving on the Cornell University Council and honorary team member of the University’s Women’s Hockey Team.
Professionally, Liz thrived in team-based, global problem-solving roles. She began her career at Deloitte, becoming the youngest employee to rise from analyst to senior manager. After participating in a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at Harvard, she joined IBM, where she quickly rose to become a global consulting partner, advising organizations on building innovative, high-performing businesses. She always stayed connected to The Ursuline School and as a co-chair of its Board of Trustees and founder of The Healy Family Sponsorship.
Liz’s cancer diagnosis ignited a new and powerful mission: saving lives through awareness, screening, and research. She became a tireless advocate, working closely with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Fight CRC, Colontown, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Exact Sciences. Alongside Jim and Ella, she traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby Congress, shared her story widely in national and international media, and founded Team Check Your Colon, raising money for colorectal cancer research. She became a board member at Sky Hope, an organization that flies patients for medical treatments and 2nd opinions after having transported her for treatments in Boston earlier in 2025.
Despite ongoing treatment, Liz completed the New York City Marathon four times as part of Fred’s Team and was later selected for New York Road Runners’ #Team Inspire—running, walking, and even dancing her way forward, always in service of others. Liz’s team raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to find a cure. She leveraged her story with the media, reaching 20+ million viewers from around the world, including People, New York Post, WABC, CBS and the Daily Mail with the singular purpose to build awareness and save lives.
Her husband, family and friends lovingly called Liz “Wonder Woman.” She believed that “movement was her medicine,” and she lived that truth— filling her “fight tank” by hosting holidays, traveling to colorectal events across the US, skiing, swimming off Long Beach Island, cheering at Mets games, attending Broadway shows, and never missing an opportunity to celebrate Ella’s many talents as an aspiring actor. She and her family loved their “zoo”, three dogs and a cat. She and Ella had a love for Disney, her “happy place”. Even in pain, she chose joy, connection, and generosity.
Liz’s legacy is one of action, love, and courage. She was the center of gravity for her family, and the unique ability to connect and bring people together. Her greatest wish was that her story save lives. Her message was powerful – know the symptoms, know your family history, and get screened—and encourage those you love to do the same. The best way to honor Liz is to advocate to find a cure and share her message with all you love and all you meet.
Visitation will take place on Friday, Feb. 13 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home, 20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Feb. 14 at 9:45 AM at The Church of St. Joseph, 15 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting organizations that have supported Liz, her family, and the many colorectal patients across the US and globally:
Colorectal Cancer Alliance – https://impact.ccalliance.org/fundraiser/6977132
Fight CRC – https://secure.qgiv.com/for/fightcolorectalcancer/
SkyHope https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/FMRFsw?vid=12v8u6
Healy Family Scholarship at Ursuline https://www.ursulinenewrochelle.org/support-us/make-a-gift
Cornell Women’s Athletics: Cornell Rowing https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1717/giving/interior.aspx?sid=1717&gid=2&pgid=16421&bledit=1&dids=5704
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Larissa says
February 10, 2026 at 2:29 pmLiz’s beautiful spirit touched so many lives. Holding you all in my thoughts and heart. May her memory bring comfort, and may you feel wrapped in the love of those around you during this time of grief and change.
Gabriella, Lorenzo and Michele says
February 10, 2026 at 3:21 pmWe didn’t know Liz personally, but Tom and Barbara, who we are privileged to be friends with, told us about her and her courage. We admired her for her actions, which contributed to the struggle of others affected by the same terrible disease. Liz’s memory and example will live on. Our deepest condolences to Jimmy, Ella, Tom, Barbara, and all the family.
Lorenzo, Gabriella and Michele says
February 10, 2026 at 3:27 pmWe didn’t know Liz personally, but Tom and Barbara, who we are privileged to be friends with, told us about her and her courage. We admired her for her actions, which contributed to the struggle of others affected by the same terrible disease. Liz’s memory and example will live on. Our deepest condolences to Jimmy, Ella, Tom, Barbara, and all the family.
Michael and Yukie Partos says
February 10, 2026 at 10:06 pmI also never personally met Liz, but I heard about her many times as a work colleague and friend of Tom’s. I was always amazed to hear him say things like: “My sister is running a marathon this weekend, and she also actively treating for Cancer, and she’s organizing an event taking place next week to bring awareness / raise funds for cancer research.” Reading her obituary is a revelation on how much a committed, selfless and energetic individual can, despite immense personal obstacles, add to our community and simply make this a better world for everybody. Praying for your comfort,
Mike and Yukie Partos
Lindsay Meneses says
February 10, 2026 at 10:17 pmAll our love and deepest condolences to Ella, Jimmy, Caitlin, Emily, the grandbabies, her brothers, and the entire family. Liz was a force of nature. She inspired so many through her endless energy, kindness, perseverance, advocacy, and leadership. I’m beyond thankful for her friendship and the years of memories and laughter.
Thomas Fitzpatrick says
February 11, 2026 at 7:30 pmDear Healy Family—we are very sorry to hear of Liz’s passing. She was a remarkable woman. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time and we wish to share our sincerest condolences.
–The Fitzpatrick Family
AE Rueppel says
February 12, 2026 at 12:36 pmAn incredible force — one whose legacy will live on for Cornell University Women’s Rowing forever!
She showed us ALL how to live, love, and fight–and set the example for the young women on that team for how to never take a day for granted! Bless all family and friends who will miss her spirit, but who will also find it in themselves through her legacy!
Danny (Doorman) says
February 13, 2026 at 5:15 pmMy heart goes out to Ella,Jimmy and the rest of the family. Liz was a special woman. A strong woman. A Superwoman! Above all a great friend, mother and wife. She would always make time to stop by, no matter how bad she was feeling, and sit with me in the lobby to talk. I am going to miss her visits and our talks. Love you Liz!
Mary Seized says
February 13, 2026 at 6:22 pmI loved Liz as a student and as a person. Years ago, each summer while in college, I worked at IBM. There was only one woman who was on the executive level at that time. Years later, at Ursuline, I met Liz who was an executive at IBM and an accomplished one. I was so happy to know that her intelligence and charm captured that corporate world. As a cancer survivor, I am so grateful for her constant fight for cancer research and help. I thank her for being in my life!
Fred H McGrath & Son, Inc. is a third generation; family owned and operated Funeral Home. Located in the Village of Bronxville, the McGrath family has been serving the surrounding communities of Bronxville, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Mt. Vernon, Yonkers and Scarsdale since 1918.
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