Elizabeth Ellen (Frye) Courter Obituary

It is with great sadness that her children announce that Elizabeth Ellen (Frye) Courter, 76, beloved mother, grandmother, auntie and friend, passed away on Tuesday, September 26th after a valiant battle with cancer. Even though her cancer moved quickly, it never stopped “Sunny” from fighting the disease with dignity and determination and living life to the fullest. Elizabeth was one in a million and adored by all who knew her. She is fondly remembered as an amazing mother and grandmother and for her sense of humor, kindness and positive outlook on life. Her incredible light and love was known to many, and her legacy will live on through her loved ones.
Elizabeth was born in Detroit, Mich., on July 15, 1941 to Marjorie (Tulpo) and Dewey Frye. She loved her parents very much, caring for each of them into their final days; her mother Marjorie passed away only the year prior at nearly 101 years old.
Sunny graduated from Frank Cody High School in 1959, where she met and eventually married her high school sweetheart. Elizabeth raised her family in Detroit and Gaylord, Mich., Michigan City, Ind., and Ankeny, Iowa. She loved being a mother, and devoted her life to raising five children. She happily relocated to Temecula, Calif. in 1992 and retired to San Diego exactly one year preceding her passing, Her work as an admitting clerk in emergency room hospitals throughout her nearly 30-year career brought her excitement and fulfillment. Elizabeth loved to travel and said she “lived a good life.” Although she made it through much of her bucket list, her one regret was not having more time to do it all. Her family was her greatest source of joy.
Elizabeth is survived by five loving children: Cynthia Courter-Longo of Surfside Beach, S.C., Kathryn Courter of San Diego, Calif., James Courter of Des Moines, Iowa, Suzanne Courter of San Diego, Calif., and Scott Courter of Des Moines, Iowa. She is affectionately remembered by seven grandchildren (Angela, Andrew, Katie, Ashley, Anita, Ethan and Gavin) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Those friends included her four brothers and sisters who survive her: Dennis (Judy) Frye of Fallbrook, Calif., Rosemary Frye of Fallbrook, Calif., Robert (Theresa) Frye of Almont, Mich., and Patricia (Anthony) Andrews of Bonsall, Calif. Her aunt Irene Smith, 103, also survives her. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents and infant sister Susan.
Elizabeth's family celebrated a private sunset memorial at the beach on October 8th. She spent much of her life trying to make a difference and asked us to say that in lieu of flowers, please consider making an online memorial gift in her name to:

* The Head & Neck Cancer Alliance at https://tinyurl.com

* Friends of Cats at http://www.friendsofcats.org

* Sharp Healthcare Foundation at https://give.sharp.com

Courter , Elizabeth Ellen 07/15/1941 - 09/26/2017 Cortez Cremations & Funeral Serv.