After a lifelong struggle with heart disease, Elizabeth Bohan was eaten by a bear.
Elizabeth was born with Marfan syndrome, a congenital heart defect, and bravely battled health issues her entire life.
Lizz knew that when these issues finally overtook her iron will, that's how she wanted her obituary to start. She was an artist and storyteller to the end. Lizz was a vocal and unwavering advocate for those living with disabilities, particularly those that went unseen. Her commitment to social justice extended to every aspect of her life. She was managing director of The Scranton Fringe Festival, a member of the Lackawanna County Disability Action Committee and a Scranton Public Library board member. Lizz fought for accessibility for all people and to provide a platform for the voiceless.
Lizz graduated from Scranton Preparatory School and Loyola University in Maryland. She was the CEO and COO of her family business A.H. Noonan, Sacramental Wines, before creating the position of Human Resources Coordinator for a local residency program and earning her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. Lizz was a producer and production manager of live theatrical works both domestically and internationally as well as a member of the New Vintage Ensemble.
She co-founded The Scranton Fringe Festival and was managing director for over 11 years. She was an administrator, mentor, collaborator, problem solver, dramaturg, producer, teacher, artisan, editor, and emotional support coach for countless creatives and artistic projects. Her contributions and presence are irreplaceable.
An avid reader and writer, Lizz believed access to literature was a necessary human right and worked to ensure that. She was a gifted and dedicated fiber artist, often using her talents to make thoughtful and cherished gifts for her friends and loved ones. Her compassion extended to animals. She cherished her cats and cared for the neighborhood strays often providing food and shelter.
Lizz was a passionate and adventurous traveler. She explored the Australian outback, climbed mountains in New Zealand, went on cross country road trips at the drop of a hat, and celebrated many moments in dynamic cities such as Edinburgh and Paris. Lizz never willingly passed up a trip.
Lizz was a visionary whose heart, though tired, never ceased to give to others. No one was left behind by Lizz. She deserved more time, more love, and the chance to tell more stories. She was magnificent and will be loved and missed by all who knew her—forever.
Lizz was preceded in death by her father, Joseph J. Bohan Jr., in 2005, and her mother and best friend, Ann Leona Bohan, on Jan. 16, 2025.
She is survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as too many loving friends to name.
A memorial service will be held Friday at 6 p.m. at the Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc., 1900 Pittston Ave. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m.
Those attending the visitation and memorial service are asked to please wear a mask. Interment will be private.
To email condolences, please visit the funeral home website.
In Lizz's memory please check in on a friend, support someone trying to accomplish something bigger than themself, and never ever back down from doing the right thing, even and especially if it's hard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Scranton Fringe Festival online (scrantonfringe.org) or via mail: PO Box 1235, Scranton, PA, 18501.