Joan Louise Lach

Joan "Elizabeth" Todd Mackey Lach, 73, of Columbus, OH, died peacefully on November 8, 2019, after a long illness. Her family was with her. Elizabeth was born in Macon, GA, on January 23, 1946, to Harvey Todd and Marion Myers Todd. She grew up in Mansfield, OH, spending lots of time in her father's music store, and graduating from Mansfield High School. She attended Kent State University, where she studied English, but her lifelong passion was music. She was a gifted classical flutist and vocalist, who toured Europe with a madrigal singing group and sang in a number of choirs, including the choir of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus. Elizabeth also loved to cook: family traditions like pork and sauerkraut and pecan pie; Midwestern classics like 'glorified rice;' more adventurous recipes like the jerk chicken and Thai soups she discovered later in her life; and truly astounding holiday feasts. She was also known for her extraordinary style and her devotion to her Siamese cats. Elizabeth is survived by her beloved children, Lisa Mackey O'Neil (Gerry) and John Mackey (Abby); grandchildren, Kaleigh O'Neil and Clay O'Neil; great-grandchild, Lilith O'Neil; her first husband, David Mackey; and her sister, Sandra "Serenade" Todd Volkmer Penington. She was predeceased by her husband Al Lach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elizabeth's name to the Dementia Society of America.