Elizabeth Tanata, 82, of Jamestown, ND, passed away Wednesday evening, October 6, 2021 at Jamestown Regional Medical Center.
Elizabeth Barbara LiBrande was born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, December 6, 1938. She was the 11th child of 13; a family of 8 boys and 5 girls to Nick and Catherine LiBrande. As a young girl, her family moved to Minot, ND where she graduated from Minot High School. Elizabeth attended Minot State University and received an elementary education certificate. She furthered her education in Jamestown and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Jamestown.
She met her partner in life in Jamestown. Charles Tanata and Elizabeth were married in Minot on June 6, 1959. They made their home in Jamestown where they raised two children, daughter Carol Wilson and son, James Tanata. Elizabeth taught elementary students for 37 years, all in the Jamestown Public School system.
She was actively involved in all of their activities. She chaired several sports banquets and after graduation parties. Elizabeth was an advocate for special needs children. She felt strongly about all children having the right to a public school education. Her kind and free spirit touched many lives.
Elizabeth enjoyed many sports, especially volleyball, tennis, racquetball, and was often seen at the gym lifting weights or at the skating rink. She was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching sports events, including the Green Bay Packers.
She loved entertaining family and friends at the Tanata Family Lake Home in Spiritwood, ND. Elizabeth and Charley loved playing cards and were often seen together dancing the night away. She would also challenge anyone to a game of Scrabble.
Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Carol Wilson (grandson, Brock Wilson) of Los Angeles, CA; son, James (Toni) Tanata and granddaughter, Elsie (Aaron) Motter (great-grandsons Logan and Brayden Motter) and granddaughter, Taylor Tanata all of Jamestown; brother, Jon LiBrande of New Mexico; sisters Mary of Idaho and Fran of California; and sister-in-law, Jeanie Tanata of Jamestown.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Charley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Rosary: 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 8, 2021 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, with a Prayer Service to follow.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, with Father Neil Pfeifer, celebrant.
Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown.
Arrangements are in the care of Williams Funeral Home, Jamestown.
