Elizabeth M. Horender

Elizabeth Louise MacMillan Horender was 98 years young when she floated into her well-deserved paradise on the morning of May 7, 2026. She leaves this world a far brighter place than she found it, having cultivated a beautiful legacy of love, faith, compassion and artistic wonder.

Born on January 7, 1928, in Collingswood, New Jersey, Elizabeth was the daughter of Warren Medde and Elizabeth Large. Raised in a Quaker household to be a “proper lady,” she was shy as a child and young woman, happiest when lost in a book or sketchpad. From an early age, she discovered a lifelong passion for art and saw beauty all around her. After high school, she attended the Phoenix School of Design in New York City. Though she was primarily a devoted homemaker she used her talents as an artist doing freelance work and later was a layout artist for Distributor Publications.

Elizabeth was a lifelong learner who continually sought to perfect her craft through art classes and seminars. She could often be overheard saying, “I need to paint that,” or “I need to sketch you.” Her artwork hangs in many homes belonging to family, friends, and patrons across the country. Her portraits hold special meaning to those she loved, and she had a remarkable gift for bringing oils, pastels, water colors and pencil sketches to life.

Elizabeth met the love of her life, William “Bill” MacMillan after art school, and together they built a family and a life filled with adventure. Weekends were dedicated to family time spending summer weekends sailing and playing golf, winter weekends teaching their children to ski, and family vacations splashing in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean at their family home in Seagirt, New Jersey.

Elizabeth’s greatest legacy was the large and loving family she and Bill created together. She was a devoted mother to five children: Elizabeth Egan (Bill) of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; Ann Bosler of Farr West, Utah; Sarah Massa (Michael) of Fairfield, Connecticut; Robert MacMillan (Dianne) of Webster, Florida; and Steven Garfield (Elaine) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with whom she joyfully reunited with later in life.

“Grammie” was a proud and loving grandmother to 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. She embraced her role wholeheartedly being an active participant in all the momentous and routine occasions in the lives of her family.

After being widowed in 1980, Elizabeth was blessed years later to find love again when she met Ralph Horender while attending Bible school. Ralph asked for her hand in marriage and, much to her family’s delight and encouragement, they were wed in 1996. Together they blended two large, beautiful families and shared 20 happy years traveling, gardening on their beloved farm, spending quality time with family, and growing in their faith together.

Elizabeth was spunky, energetic, and never too tired for a game, a walk, a bike ride, or a swim in the pool. Her family often joked that she had more energy than all of them combined. She was an artist, traveler, avid reader, an excellent listener, an animal lover, gifted writer, and woman of unwavering faith. She embodied vitality, joy, curiosity, and adventure. Though always a lady, she was never afraid to be silly, laugh at herself, and bring delight to those around her.

Perhaps the most defining aspect of Elizabeth’s life was her faith. She was a devoted born-again Christian who deeply believed in the power of prayer and the love of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She could often be found joyfully singing and shaking her tambourine in a church sanctuary in joyful worship. She frequently quoted scripture verses encouraging others and her unwavering faith was known to all. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to listen without judgement, pray without ceasing and offer wise council to those in need.

At times reserved and reflective, Elizabeth nonetheless loved deeply and profoundly. There was never a momentous occasion she failed to attend — always there to cheer on, encourage, and celebrate the people she loved. She welcomed everyone to her table, and it was not unusual for a newcomer from church or someone in need of kindness and acceptance to join Sunday dinner. She had a way of making every person in her presence feel significant, worthy, and loved.

As a mother, she was the giver of life, the keeper of memories, and the quiet bearer of her children’s worries and wounds. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she became the cheerleader, the wise voice, the gentle comforter, and the steady example of unconditional love and unwavering faith. She created a legacy of love spanning four generations.

Her family finds comfort imagining heaven filled with beautiful visions for her to paint and joyful songs for her to sing and dance to among the angels. Her legacy will leave a lasting impact and afterglow in the hearts of all whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to Recovery Network of Programs. 

Friends and family may call on Monday May 11th from 4-6pm at Frank Polke and Son Funeral Home; 39 South Benson Road Fairfield, Connecticut. All are welcome to attend and participate in a brief memorial service at 6pm. She will be laid to rest at Hilltop Cemetery in Mendham, New Jersey on Tuesday May 12th at 1:00 pm.

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