Elizabeth Kerwood Obituary

Elizabeth Aquino Kerwood passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, in the arms of her heartbroken loved ones. She was 73 years old. Born on April 23, 1952, in Sacramento, California, Liz was the beloved daughter of Alfonso Cruz Dacanay, a proud World War II U.S. Army veteran, and Aurora Tenderro Dacanay, a devoted worked tirelessly in the canneries of Thornton, California. Liz grew up in the agricultural town of Thornton, where she worked in the fields alongside her siblings, picking fruit and learning the value of hard work from an early age. Liz attended Galt High School and graduated in 1970. She went on to earn a degree in Political Science from the University of California, Davis, graduating in 1974. Liz married the love of her life, Gary Kerwood of Beaverton, Oregon, on September 14, 1975, in Lodi, California. Just three days later, they began their life together by moving to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Liz ended up beginning her distinguished career in criminal justice as a probation officer with the State of Utah. In 1977, Liz and Gary relocated to Oregon, where Liz continued her career in corrections with passion and integrity. She served in roles at the Portland Women's Work Release Center, Washington County Community Corrections, and the Oregon Corrections Division before embarking on what became a nearly 30-year tenure with U.S. Probation. Her career culminated in her groundbreaking appointment as the first Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer for the District of Hawaii, a role she held with distinction until her retirement in 2012. Outside of her professional life, Liz lived with joyful intensity. She was an avid hiker and golfer, and an unstoppable craftsperson. Whether sewing, embroidering, making jewelry, or designing handmade photo cards, Liz poured creativity and care into everything she touched. Her quest for the perfect photo-whether of family, friends, or the natural world-was insatiable, and her camera was never far from reach. Liz was a trailblazer, a mentor, and a deeply respected figure in her profession. But more than that, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother. She is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Gary; her children, Liana Gannan (Brent) and Jason Kerwood (Kelly Ebert); and five beautiful grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life. She is also survived by her brothers: Donald Dacanay of Fairfield; Art Dacanay (Cathy) of Roseville; William Dacanay (Jill) of San Jose; Ed Dacanay of Elk Grove; and Al Dacanay of Stockton. A younger brother, Richard Dacanay, preceded her in death in 2023. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Mountain View Mortuary in Reno, Nevada, preceded by an open-casket viewing at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in support of breast cancer research-an area of personal significance to Liz and her loved ones. For additional information, please feel free to contact the family at rememberinglizzie11@ gmail.com. Liz's memory will live on in the lives she touched, the justice she championed, and the love she gave so freely.