Elizabeth Stuart Vaeth

Born October 6, 1962, in Virginia Beach, VA, Elizabeth is survived by her son whom she cherished, William Ryan McCann, of Alpharetta, GA. She also leaves behind her five sisters and their families: Kimberly J. Vaeth of Boston, MA; Julie M. Beaver of Alexandria, VA; Brooke V. Eason of Goldsboro, NC and husband, James; Amanda V. May of Richmond, VA and Catherine V. Haywood of Richmond, VA and husband, Charles. Elizabeth will be greatly missed by her three nieces and nephew whom they affectionately called Aunt Bear and Aunt Lizzie: W. Jackson May, Meredith C. May, and Nora A. Denhalter.

In addition to her immediate family, Elizabeth is also survived by her extended family: Robert E. McCann, Edward P. McCann, Paula M. McCann of Boston, MA; and Dorothy F. Gordon of Chesapeake, VA.

Elizabeth is predeceased by her mother, Jean C. Lindley of Norfolk, VA and her father, A. William Vaeth, Jr., of Virginia Beach, VA.

An award-winning journalist and marketing professional, Elizabeth graduated from Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC and The University of Georgia in Athens, GA, where she earned a degree in Political Science. She began her career as a political reporter covering the Georgia General Assembly for the Macon Telegraph. Next, Elizabeth embarked on a 25-year career that uniquely married the world of media and marketing in multiple capacities: as an account rep in public relations at A. Brown Olmstead Associates, then as public relations manager for the Atlanta Arts Festival and lifestyle reporter and columnist for The Gwinnett Daily News. Her byline also appeared in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Creative Loafing and Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles. Most recently, Elizabeth was Marketing and Events Manager at the Atlanta Business Chronicle, where she had many roles for over 20 years as a media and marketing reporter, broadcast manager and event coordinator.

During the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Elizabeth free-lanced as a broadcast reporter for The Coca-Cola Company and later worked as news anchor and producer at Clear Channel Radio’s WGST. In 2004, Elizabeth co-founded a media relations consulting business, Front Porch Media, where she enjoyed success working with such diverse clients as Party City, Honey Baked Ham, Miliken Flooring and The Sporting News Network Company.

A devoted mother, Elizabeth volunteered tirelessly at her son Ryan’s school, Kings Ridge Christian, as well as at Personal Growth, a group home for at-risk high school boys and for Meals on Wheels. She was also an active member of the Atlanta Press Club and St. Brigid Catholic Church in Johns Creek.

Elizabeth cherished her faith and was deeply involved with her Nesbit Lakes and Barksdale bible study groups. She was profoundly grateful to the community she encountered yearly at The Ignatius House Retreat Center, where she and friends attended many silent retreats through the years.

Elizabeth’s larger than life personality will be remembered fondly by her family and friends. Her combination of wit and genteel Southern sass made everyone who knew her smile. Her family would like to express deep gratitude to the multitude of dear friends who through their faith and love sustained Elizabeth, Ryan and their beloved Labrador, Sam during her prolonged illness.

The memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 31st at 10:30 a.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 3400 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to The Ignatius House Retreat Center, 6700 Riverside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30328.