Elizabeth Mock Criscola

Elizabeth Mock Criscola, 86, died unexpectedly at home on February 13, 2017. One of six children born to Englebert Scheuring and Hedwig Mock, Elizabeth Mock was born on October 10, 1930 in Salz Bie Bad Neustadt on the Saale, Germany. On July 2, 1938, she and her brother, Edgar L. Mock, arrived in New York City aboard the SS President Harding to live with their aunt and uncle. In 1949 she received a degree in Baby Nursing from the New York Foundling Hospital. Elizabeth and her daughter, Kathryn formed an especially strong bond that persisted throughout their lives. They traveled together throughout the United States and four times to Europe. Elizabeth worked for the Coulter Corporation in a variety of positions and, after 25 years, retired in 1997. Kathy moved to Tallahassee in 1997 and Elizabeth followed in 2000. She was active in several canasta card clubs and enjoyed playing several times a week. She was a member of Tally-Ho, serving as Corresponding Secretary, Secretary, and Chairperson of the Canasta Committee. She was an avid book reader and loved puzzles (especially Sudoku). For the past 15 years, Elizabeth was a dedicated volunteer at Springwood Elementary School. Four days a week, Elizabeth could be found in various classrooms around campus providing children with support, guidance, encouragement, learning opportunities, snacks, and most importantly love. She took great pride and joy in helping children learn through one-on-one tutoring and small group help sessions. Elizabeth was also dedicated to supporting the teachers. She spent countless hours, many at home in the evening, grading papers, filing, preparing flashcards, tearing pages from workbooks, collating, cutting things out, and so much more. Mrs. C, as she was known around campus, was recognized year after year for her contributions to the children and teachers at Springwood. She was selected Springwood’s Volunteer of the Year several times, and was nominated for the Tallahassee Democrat’s Volunteer of the Year three times. She was in fact, nominated again this year; however, she declined declaring “I do this for the kids. I don’t need accolades”. That is the self-less, caring, dedication Elizabeth gave to thousands of children and the teachers of our community. She truly believed in giving from the heart and she will be greatly missed. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathryn E. Criscola, in 2015 of ovarian cancer. She is survived by her brother, Edgar L. Mock; niece, Tracy Groeninger; nephews, Kieran Mock and Stephen Mock; and devoted friend and fiancé of daughter Kathryn, Walker Banning. Friends of Elizabeth are welcome to join a “Celebration of Elizabeth’s Life” on Wednesday, February 22, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3333 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL. If you wish to honor her memory, please donate to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc., Boys Ranch, or the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Criscola family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Elizabeth Mock Criscola

October 10, 1930 - February 13, 2017