Obituary of M. Elizabeth Whitten-Misunas

M. Elizabeth “Liz” Whitten-Misunas died March 21, 2017 after accomplishing everything she ever wanted to do in her 95 years here on earth. Born November 11, 1921, she was largely self taught as an accomplished watercolor artist and dress designer, operating her own dressmaking business for a clientele covering the Chicago to Milwaukee area out of her home. She was a co-founding member and past president of the Lake County Art League, David Adler Cultural Center, Illinois Arts Council, Midwest Watercolor Society and Chicago Artists’ Coalition. Her works hang in numerous corporate and private collections in Lake, Cook, and McHenry Counties. She and her artist husband Everett Misunas shared studio space at the Mousehole Studio, 19A N. Genesee Street in Waukegan with several other artist forming the first artists colony in the downtown area. She had participated with four other artists in an annual exhibit for 25 years called the “5 to Show Watercolors and Works on Paper” held at the Malcom Layson Production Company in Waukegan. Survivors include her children, Mary (Dale) Butson, Blair (Ann) Whitten, Marla (Al Chan) Misunas, David (Laura) Misunas, Dan (Hilda) Misunas, and William “Bill” Whitten; grandchildren, Michael (Katherine) Marsoobian, Peter (Kelli) Marsoobian, and Bryan Whitten; and four great-grandchildren, Raya, Silas, Henry, and Harvey. She was preceded in death by her first husband, William Whitten; second husband, Everett Misunas; her parents; and four siblings. And a huge blessing to the Vista Home Health & Hospice team for their loving care. Services to be held by the family in New Hampshire in the fall.