Elizabeth A. Kauffman

Elizabeth A. Kauffman, of Lancaster, PA — beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend — passed away peacefully on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the age of 94. Born in York, PA, Elizabeth was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Mann Falkenstine Mullen and Floyd Eugene Falkenstine. She graduated from York Catholic High School in 1948 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from the State Teachers College at Millersville (now Millersville University) in 1952. A lifelong learner, she later earned master’s degrees from both Millersville University and Central Michigan University. Elizabeth began her career teaching high school English in Coatesville. Her adventurous spirit then led her to New York City, where she worked for Continental Insurance and AT&T. Just before her move, however, she met the love of her life, Herbert W. Kauffman, Jr. The two were married on May 26, 1956, and shared 56 wonderful years together before his passing in 2012. After devoting nearly two decades to raising her children, Elizabeth returned to the workforce. She served as Director of Development for both the Community Hospital of Lancaster and the American Heart Association. She was also deeply involved with her alma mater, serving as President of the Millersville University Alumni Association and as a representative on the Pennsylvania Council of Alumni Associations. Elizabeth was honored with emerita status by the Alumni Association board in recognition of her many contributions. Additionally, she was a member of the Millersville University Foundation’s board of directors. Elizabeth was also passionately engaged in her community. She served on the board of Lancaster Dollars for Higher Learning (formerly the Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of Lancaster County), where she was Scholarship Chair for more than 18 years, personally reviewing thousands of applications. Additionally, she served on the boards of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Lancaster County and Leadership Lancaster and was a proud member of the Iris Club for nearly 30 years, serving on its board and various committees. Elizabeth was a parishioner at Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church, where she served for four years as Director of the CCD Religious Education Program. Elizabeth lived her life with curiosity, joy, and a spirit of adventure. She was passionate about travel, having visited six continents, 59 countries, and 49 U.S. states. She delighted in exploring new cultures and cuisines and especially treasured annual family vacations in Ocean City, NJ — a time filled with laughter, books, beach days, and the company of those she loved most. She also had a deep appreciation for the arts, enjoying performances at the Fulton Theatre and on Broadway. Elizabeth is survived by her three children: Karl H. Kauffman of Richmond, VA; Kim E., wife of Jay Andrusisin, of Millersville; and Kathy A., wife of R. Christopher Collier, also of Richmond, VA. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Kathy Swidwa, wife of Kenneth Swidwa, Michael Andrusisin, husband of Kaitlyn Chadwick Andrusisin, Julie Andrusisin, and Davis, Jack, Grant, and Ryan Collier; two great-grandsons, Calvin and Christopher Swidwa; a sister-in-law, Margaret Falkenstine; and many cousins and dear family friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Falkenstine. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Elizabeth’s Life Celebration Service on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 12:00 noon at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street. Lancaster, PA, with Rev. Steven Doutrich officiating. The family will receive guests from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Elizabeth’s honor may be made to Lancaster Dollars for Higher Learning, 313 W. Liberty Street, Suite 343, Lancaster, PA 17603, or online at www.lancdollars.org.