Elizabeth (Medaglia) deGuzman passed away at the age of 78 on January 27, 2021 at Hospice of the Chesapeake due to end stage renal disease. She fought a long and courageous fight against many medical issues for quite some time, but she never lost her enthusiasm and joy for life.    Known as Bizzy or The Biz, she was surrounded by her loved ones the days before and at the time of her death. Originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth lived in Maryland most of her life. She spent her childhood in Towson, MD before attending Mercy Nursing School and becoming an RN at Mercy Hospital. There, she was introduced to a young intern, Benjamin deGuzman (deceased), and they were eventually married in February of 1963.

Residing most of her life in Severna Park, MD, "Biz and Benj" raised 3 girls: Crissy, Jenine, and Dani. In addition to motherhood, Elizabeth was an avid volunteer for the North Arundel Hospital Auxiliary, where Ben was a physician. She poured herself into this role and was effective and appreciated. Thereafter, she operated Dr. Ben's medical practice with care and efficiency. Later, always a medical advocate, Elizabeth was instrumental in establishing the new emergency center on the Eastern Shore.

Creative by nature, Elizabeth decorated the Maryland Governor's Mansion and The Maryland State House for several consecutive years for the holidays, in addition to hosting several popular holiday bazaars. Introduced to skiing by her brother, Cornelius, the deGuzmans began skiing when the kids were relatively young. Initially going to small, local ski hills, Elizabeth began the Linstead Ski Club. This little club traveled to Lake Placid and Hunter Mountains in New York, Mt. Tremblant, Canada, then ventured to Colorado, Utah, & Montana. Eventually, they landed in Zermatt and Davos, Switzerland, Chamonix, France, and the like. She was also known to appreciate cruising all around the world with family and friends, going to destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and Europe.

No matter what Elizabeth was doing, she did it with love, spirit, and a sense of humor. She had a radiant and feisty personality. As a wife, mother and friend, Elizabeth brought people from different circles together and created true community. She went about life with optimism and positivity. Biz taught her kids and loved ones that "life is not a dress rehearsal." Her wisdom and perspective were called upon by her friends and family time and again. Biz showed more strength than a superhero. She fought tenaciously and passed in comfort and the care of her devoted family. To say Elizabeth will be missed is an understatement, but her legacy and all whom she touched, will continue and thrive. A dear friend beautifully summarized, "Your mother is such an amazing spirit and pillar of strength and for her to have lived all of these years on her own terms and see so many grandchildren grow up to be adults and love and be loved by so many; it's really about her winning the long race and finally reaching the finish line."

Elizabeth is survived by her children Crispina (Bill) Gardner, Jenine (Art) deGuzman-Wong, and Dani (Steven) Stern, five grandchildren (Tara, Julie, Kendyl [Charlie], Ellie, and Ben), two step-grandchildren (Katy and Maddie), her brother, Cornelius, two nephews, and one niece.

Due to the coronavirus, a memorial service will be held at a later date. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to remember Elizabeth may donate to: