Elizabeth Ann York

Elizabeth “BeBe” Ann York, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, in Burleson, Texas, at the age of 79. She was born on November 15, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Joseph and Essie Kolanko. Elizabeth grew up as one of four children. Her identical twin sister, Margaret, was her best friend and confidant, and they were constantly mistaken for one another since they looked so much alike. 

Elizabeth attended St. Maria Goretti Catholic School and graduated from Arlington High School. She continued her education at Arlington State College and spent over 50 years working at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she was a respected and dedicated member of the university community.

While attending Arlington High School, she met her high school sweetheart and lifelong partner, Charles York, on a double-blind date arranged by his best friend. Their love continued for 58 years after they married July 15, 1966. Elizabeth and Charles went on to have two children, Aimee and David.

Elizabeth had a passion for life and a love for her family that was unmatched. Her hobbies and interests reflected her vibrant personality. She enjoyed volleyball, baseball, tennis, ceramics, bowling, ping pong, and games of all kinds. She adored watching her kids and grandchildren playing sports and supported them in all their school activities. She especially loved traveling to watch her grandkids play in sporting events, and cherished family summer vacations camping at Lake Sam Rayburn, where they would spend days skiing, boating, and bonding.

A creative soul, Elizabeth loved gardening and tending to her flowers, baking, reading, redecorating, and exploring history. She had a special fondness for roosters and built a treasured collection of rooster plates. Her meticulous nature was evident in her spotless home, where she often offered wise advice and thoughtful words of encouragement.

Elizabeth’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She remained strong in her beliefs and shared her perpetual positivity with her family and friends. She delighted in family traditions, including baking Polish Christmas cookies, celebrating Christmas Eve together, birthdays, Easter egg hunts, and 4th of July fireworks.

Her family will always remember her love of Hallmark movies, classic romance films like Gone with the Wind and The Sound of Music, and her joy in listening to songs such as “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler and “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music. She found joy in nature, and cardinals and hummingbirds will forever remind her loved ones of her enduring presence.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Essie Kolanko, and her twin sister, Margaret Autrey. She is survived by her devoted husband, Charles York; daughter, Aimee Strickland and husband Les; son, David York and fiancée Canda Johnson; grandchildren, Emma, Kyle, Sara, Megan and Addison; brother Michael Kolanko (JoAnn); sister Katherine Smith (Tracy); brother-in-law, Garry Autrey; and many nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth will remain in the hearts of her family as a symbol of patience, love, and selflessness. Her wisdom, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family will be cherished forever. The family will always feel her presence at sporting events, in the garden, and during quiet moments of reflection at her cherished home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Wade Funeral Home and Crematory, followed by a reception in Belle Hall. The family invites all who knew Elizabeth to join them in honoring her remarkable life and legacy.

Elizabeth’s love and light will continue to guide and inspire her family, and her memory will forever be a blessing.