Apple Valley - Abbene, Elizabeth (Liz) nee O'Connor Born March 9, 1956 NY, NY died April 29, 2025 (aged 69) Apple Valley, MN. Liz passed peacefully at her home after a 9 year battle with endometrial cancer. Preceded in death by her father James O'Connor, mother Frances O'Connor nee Crea, and grandchildren Giacomo S. Abbene and Gianna Rose Abbene. Survived by brothers Vincent and Joseph and sister Francine Parker, spouse Daniel J. Abbene, son Christopher J. and daughter Theresa, grandchildren Lukas Abbene, Isadora Abbene, and Evan Abbene. Born into a traditional Irish Italian family in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Liz acquired many life skills that would shape her convictions and spiritual beliefs. Nurtured at Trailblazer Camps in northern New Jersey, Liz developed a deep appreciation for nature and her place in the universe. Liz and her husband and two children moved to Minnesota in 1985 where she began a long career as an early childhood educator. Developing young children though art and movement Liz worked at the Northfield Arts Guild, The Eagan Art House, where she was a co-founder, and as Site Coordinator for Before and After School ChildCare in The Apple Valley and Farmington school districts. After receiving a BS from the State University of NY Liz was awarded a PHD as Doctor of Natural Medicine. She then continued her studies as a Forest Meditation Guide and explored her Celtic roots as a student of Druidry. Liz excelled at movement therapy and spent many years as a Yoga instructor, Tai-Chi instructor, a student of Middle Eastern dance and a Sufi Sister of Dance Meditation. Her true passion was food, cooking and entertaining. She catered several weddings and dinner parties and prepared countless gatherings for friends and family. Liz has donated her remains to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program. The University will be honoring those donors at a Service of Gratitude on June 7, 2025 at Northrup Auditorium. Streaming is available, please contact the University Bequest Program for more information. In Liz's honor please consider donating to Trailblazer Camps at Trailblazers.org