Liza Nelligan

Liza Maeve Nelligan left this world gently and with blessed grace at her home in Carlsbad on June 14, 2003. Her beloved husband of nineteen years, John DeLand, and her amoretti, Shanti and Liam, will forever be comforted by cherished memories of her irrepressible spirit, her joyous laughter, her delight in all things rare and beautiful, and her enduring love and devotion.

Surely the stars danced in heaven on the day Elizabeth Maeve Daly was born in Norfolk, Virginia. From that day onward, she was a force, an amazement, an inspiration, a treasure. This gifted, fiercely determined, hilarious, compassionate, challenging, brilliant, generous, and radiant person has forever touched the lives of all who knew and loved her. Liza’s universe is huge! At its heart are John, Shanti, and Liam, her sisters Amy, Megan, Kate, and Erin who, in Liza’s words, “will forever be my touchstones,” her mater familia, Mary Jo, a beloved bevy of nieces and nephews, a loving family, and a host of deeply valued friends and colleagues.

Whether growing up an exuberant child and teenager in Westfield, New Jersey or leading the charge for women’s rights and creating the Fort Collins Peace Center in Colorado, Liza left her mark; it is indelible.

Having received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Colorado State University in the early 1990s, Liza and her family moved to La Jolla where she taught writing and Shakespeare at both San Diego State and UCSD while pursuing a doctorate in Early Modern Literature. She was awarded her PhD from UCSD in 2000. Dr. Nelligan established Nelligan Editing which flourished under her inspired guidance as literary editor.

Liza, Liza, Liza. You are always in our hearts and loved in endless measure.