Elizabeth Rose (Liz, Bunny) Hannigan 77, of Elmhurst, died on March 10 after losing her courageous battle with lymphoma, surrounded by family and friends. Born March 5, 1945 in Oak Park, to Frank and Catherine (Schlosser) Hannigan, the youngest of six children. She met the love of her life, Dick Sachs, while working as a secretary at the same company in Oak Park and married him after many years together. Many knew her as Liz or Lizzy but close family on the Hannigan side only knew her as “Bunny,” a nickname she was given as a child. An avid bicycle rider around the town of Elmhurst, her favorite mode of transit, she loved to garden and stayed busy and active all her life.
She was a proud member of AA and her sobriety continued over 43 years. She was very involved with her Bible Church, being a member of the West Suburban Community Church Ladies Bible group. A proud child of Christ, she felt part of her mission here on Earth was to spread the word through the teachings of the bible so we all could share in God’s love as she did.
Liz is survived by three stepchildren, Kim Ricke, Tracey and Thomas Sachs; her daughter, Krisann Despain; her brother, Philip Hannigan; two sisters, Jeanette Wood and Mary Kinis; six grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dick, her sister Joan Brock, her brother James Hannigan, and one grandchild.
A memorial service honoring her life will be held on April 20 at 2:30 p.m. at her church, West Suburban Community Church, 825 Van Auken St., Elmhurst. More information can be found online at Pederson Ryberg Funeral Home, pedersonryberg.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Liz can be made to West Suburban Community Church of Emhurst and to AA.