Elizabeth “Liz” Van Siclen Townsend

Elizabeth Van Siclen Townsend

July 26, 1946 to June 10, 2025

Elizabeth Van Siclen Townsend passed away peacefully at her home in Oyster Bay Cove, New York on June 10, 2025. She was 78. Liz was born in New York City and later moved to Manhasset, Long Island. She is predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Wyckoff (Mary Young) Van Siclen. Liz was proudly descended from a long line of original Dutch settlers of Manhattan Island.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, David B.Townsend; daughter Amanda Elizabeth Turnbull (Brooke); adored grandsons, Jack and James; and brother John R. Van Siclen (Pam) and nephew Peter S. Van Siclen.

Liz graduated from The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY and went on to graduate from the University of Colorado (Boulder) with a BA in Art History.

Liz and Dave met over a spaghetti dinner blind date and went on to share many adventures on multiple continents; including over two years in Tokyo. Liz knew Dave was special from the start; the slingback kitten heels she wore on their first date remain tucked in her closet as a memory of how their romance began.

Throughout her life, Liz found joy in sharing her love of art & design (in all forms) and her curiosity about the world and current events with her friends and family. Reading The New Yorker from cover to cover, clipping articles from any source for family members to benefit from and savoring a good scoop of coffee Haagen-Dazs, when her health allowed it.

Liz gave generously to her family and community. She was on the boards and president of both Raynham Hall Museum and Youth and Family Counseling Agency of Oyster Bay/East Norwich. She was also a member of and former board member of North Country Garden Club and a long-standing board member of the Long Island Counsel of Save The Children.

Professionally, her career ranged from admissions work at Columbia University to editorial and writing positions with both Conde Nast (House & Garden publications) and Readers Digest (in both the US and Japan). Shortly after Amanda’s birth in New York City, they moved to Oyster Bay Cove. Liz then turned her focus to interior decorating and design through her own firm, Jean Odell Cottage.

Liz fought bravely against neurological disorders and finally succumbed to multiple neuro-degenerative diseases. The family will hold a private burial service. A Memorial gathering will be planned at a future date.

For those wishing to make a contribution in Liz’s memory, please consider one of the above mentioned organizations or one of your choosing.