Military Supporter Elizabeth Fisher Dies

Navy NewsStand ^ | 1/16/2004 | Journalist 2nd Class Kimberly Rodgers, Navy NewsStand Staff

[BykrBayb]

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Philanthropist Elizabeth Kenowsky Fisher, co-founder of the Intrepid Museum, Fisher House and Fisher Armed Services Foundations passed away Jan. 15. At 90, Elizabeth was most known for her lifetime support and commitment to improving the quality of life for the benefit of members of the armed forces, veterans and their families, in company with her late husband Zachary.

Born in Allegheny County, Pa., Elizabeth served overseas with the United Services Organization in World War II, entertaining troops, volunteering for the Veterans Bedside Network and visiting the wounded in field hospitals.

The Fishers were instrumental in transforming the historic aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV 11) into a floating museum, contributing millions of dollars to the campaign. Because of their tirelss efforts, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum opened in August 1982.

In 1983, Elizabeth, together with Zachary, a former, prominent New York City builder, formed the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation, through which they made significant contributions to families of military personnel lost in the line of duty, including the families of the victims of the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut. The Foundation continues to make contributions of $25,000 to numerous military families who have lost loved ones under tragic circumstances through the establishment of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

In 1990, Mr. and Mrs. Fisher began the Fisher House program, dedicating more than $20 million to the construction of comfort homes for families of hospitalized military personnel, according to Intrepid officials. More than 30 Fisher Houses now operate at military bases and at several Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers throughout the nation, saving families millions in lodging expenses each year.

In 1995, Secretary of the Navy John Dalton made the announcement that the second ship of the Bob Hope-class of sealift ships would be named USNS Fisher (T-AKR 301) in honor of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, for their commitment to improving the quality of life for our nation's Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Soldiers.

Dalton said, "There is no way to repay the Fishers for their decades of support, but this gesture, naming a ship in their honor - is the Navy's way of saying thank you very much."

For more news from around the fleet, visit the Navy NewsStand at www.news.navy.mil.

[BykrBayb]

What a contribution this couple made with their lives. Their legacy will live on.

This is my first post. Please don't be too harsh when giving me tips.

[MoJo2001]

Sad Ping

[MEG33]

Wonderful story of wonderful people.God rest her soul.I appreciate her dedication and support for our military.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

BykrBayb : Thank You for posting this.

MoJo2001 : Thank You for alerting me.

[international american]

BTTT

[SandRat]

Now she is taking up residence with a fine bunch; Bob Hope, John Wayne, Martha Rae, to name just a few.

[Professional Engineer]

In 1995, Secretary of the Navy John Dalton made the announcement that the second ship of the Bob Hope-class of sealift ships would be named USNS Fisher (T-AKR 301) in honor of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, for their commitment to improving the quality of life for our nation's Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Soldiers.

Vey cool!

[blackie]

In 1995, Secretary of the Navy John Dalton made the announcement that the second ship of the Bob Hope-class of sealift ships would be named USNS Fisher (T-AKR 301) in honor of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, for their commitment to improving the quality of life for our nation's Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Soldiers.

Go Navy!

[SandRat]

...second ship of the Bob Hope-class of sealift ships ...

Does this class have a Ski-Lift nose for jump jets?

[SwatTeam]

Thank you for this post. Don't let the few who bitch about everything bother you. You done good.

[Fawnn]

Rest in God's peace, Elizabeth Fisher.

Thanks for the ping, Tonk.

[Soaring Feather]

In 1990, Mr. and Mrs. Fisher began the Fisher House program, dedicating more than $20 million to the construction of comfort homes for families of hospitalized military personnel, according to Intrepid officials. More than 30 Fisher Houses now operate at military bases and at several Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers throughout the nation, saving families millions in lodging expenses each year.

What a wonderful legacy has been left for our military and their families.

[MindBender26]

What a contribution this couple made with their lives. Their legacy will live on

The family that owns Kay Jewelers escaped the Holocaust. They have never forgotten the country that welcomed them.

They now support the SSN Boston and her crew. Wherever Boston puts in, the family very quietly pays for whatever the sailors need.

God bless 'em.

[armymarinemom]

God Bless this family. I know several people who have stayed at a Fisher house while dealing with illness or death in a military family. They have earned the respect and love of milions.

[big'ol_freeper]

Mission first, people always. Hooah.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you, BykrBayb. Thanks for the pings, MoJo and Tonkin.
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Philanthropist Elizabeth Kenowsky Fisher, co-founder of the Intrepid Museum, Fisher House and Fisher Armed Services Foundations passed away Jan. 15. At 90, Elizabeth was most known for her lifetime support and commitment to improving the quality of life for the benefit of members of the armed forces, veterans and their families, in company with her late husband Zachary.

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Elizabeth Kenowsky Fisher  Y

 

[OldFriend]

Her son and his wife were killed in a plane crash last year. They were supporters of the Intrepid Museum and also supporters of the Clinton's.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

May God rest her soul, and may we be inspired to carry out her legacy.

[TruthNtegrity]

BB, thanks for posting this article.

Tonk, thanks for the ping.

God love them and keep them. Fisher Homes are marvelous places.

[giznort]

There's always a smar tass in every crowd! (wish I'd have thought of it first!!!!!!)