Elizabeth Mary Renahan (née Seifert), 89, of Morgantown, died at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital on Dec. 2, 2020, following injuries from a fall. The daughter of Mary and Harold Seifert, she was born on Dec. 17, 1930, and grew up in Buffalo, N.Y. After finishing South Park High School, she received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish, with a minor in piano, from D’Youville College in 1951. She then left Buffalo, N.Y. for graduate studies at Fordham University, where her assertive questioning of a medieval Spanish literature professor impressed classmate Joseph Renahan. They were married in 1952. She completed her master’s degree at West Virginia University in 1968, and continued her post-graduate studies in foreign language as she focused on teaching and teacher advocacy.
Elizabeth began her teaching career in New Jersey, when she became a Spanish and French teacher after an opening became available in the Lakewood school district where Joseph was teaching. She was then studying at Rutgers University and had six small children to tend, but she seized the opportunity and loved the additional challenges that she faced. She was already teaching most of her children to play the piano. She joined the New Jersey Education Association, and wore her member’s pin proudly.
In 1965, when Joseph started to teach at West Virginia University, Elizabeth moved to Morgantown. She became a lecturer and graduate assistant at the university and also taught at Alderson-Broaddus College. After completing her master’s degree, Elizabeth agreed to teach again in secondary school. She was a dedicated foreign language teacher in Monongalia County for more than 25 years, traveling from University High School to Suncrest Junior High School. She believed that the study of foreign language was essential. She sponsored French and Spanish clubs, cultural groups and honors societies, and attended countless parties, banquets, medieval nights and award programs over the years. She promoted foreign travel for and with her students in the hope that they would not only gain greater facility in speaking French and Spanish, but have a more profound appreciation for other cultures. She herself traveled to Europe a great number of times, with students, with Joseph and solo.
Elizabeth was an active member of the West Virginia Education Association, and served as Monongalia County president. She was also a past chair of its Peace and International Relations Committee. Her interest in WVEA voting initiatives overlapped with her work in League of Women Voters educational efforts. She was a member of the Democratic Committee. Elizabeth was a member of the American Association of Teachers of French, and a past West Virginia chapter officer of the AATF.
Following retirement, Elizabeth began studying watercolor painting. Her paintings were quickly sought after for their artistry and wit, and she began taking commissions from family members. Her time was limited, though, by her cruise schedule, water aerobics, retired teacher and faculty luncheons, reading, films, political discussions, recycling, postcard creation, stamp collections, opera and sewing.
In addition to her husband, Joseph, Elizabeth is survived by her brother, Philip, of Las Vegas. Her son, Chris preceded her in death. She is survived by five children: Mark, of Morgantown; Steve and wife Cynthia, of Los Angeles; Kathryn and husband Jack O’Brien, of Haddonfield, N.J.; Susanna and husband Doug Wayt, of Wheeling; and Jim and wife Monica, of Evansville, Ind.
Elizabeth treasured her four grandchildren: Jane, Tess, Sarah and Marie. She often recounted watching Disney’s La Belle et la Bête with them when they were very young. She reveled in their academic achievements, language studies, and wide interests. She was deeply proud of each one and delighted in each one’s individuality.
In accord with her profound belief in the value of education, Elizabeth donated her body to the West Virginia University School of Medicine. Due to COVID restrictions, a memorial is postponed.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Elizabeth’s name to D’Youville College, 320 Porter Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14201 ( https://alumni.dyouville.edu/ways-to-give ) or Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, 14500 Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19116 (https://www.greynun.org) would be greatly appreciated.
