Obituary of Elizabeth Ann Gaskamp

Elizabeth Ann Gaskamp, 29, of Pearland, Texas, went to dance with wild, joyful abandon on the streets of Heaven on September 3rd, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She blazed into life on November 13th, 1994, when she was born to Tara Barnes LeGrand and Benjamin Gaskamp on her mom’s birthday.  They will both carry her candle here on Earth until they see her again in Heaven.

Elizabeth’s light lives on through her two precious children, Alejandro ("Doodle"), 5, and Estela Lucille (“Stella”), 2, who were the brightest stars in her sky. She leaves behind her cherished life partner and the loving father of her children, Alejandro Gonzalez; her sister Brianna Gaskamp; her uncle Robin Barnes; her grandmother Gloria Eggleston; and a constellation of cousins and adopted aunties who will carry her light until they see her again in the sweet hereafter.  Welcoming her home with open arms was her great grandmothers, Katie Barnes and Lottie Barnes; her grandmother Judy Gaskamp; grandfathers, C.L. Barnes and Danny Gaskamp; her aunts, Heidi and Melissa.

Elizabeth's early years unfolded in Pearland, where she graduated from Pearland High School, but not before stepping proudly across the stage at Alvin Community College to receive her associate's degree—an achievement she earned before her high school diploma. A natural teacher with a boundless spirit, she shared her passion for gymnastics with countless children, becoming both a coach and a mentor whose light warmed all those she touched. Elizabeth had a mind as brilliant as her heart was kind, and she would gladly lose herself in conversations about anything from rainbows to politics, always eager to explore the world’s many wonders. When God created Elizabeth, He added an extra measure of willpower, knowing the path she would walk. She became a fierce advocate for herself during her treatments and pain management, learning to fight not only for her body but for her dignity and her dreams.

In Alejandro, Elizabeth found a soulmate, and together they built a life filled with laughter and love. Their two beautiful children were her greatest pride and deepest joy. Even after the cancer diagnosis—the rare and relentless kind that offered no clear path—Elizabeth fought with a spirit that burned bright, always balancing the battle against her illness with the love she poured into her children.

To some, Elizabeth’s time here may seem too short, but those of us who felt her warmth know that her light shone so beautifully and brightly. The mark she left on our hearts and souls will endure long after her journey on this Earth ended.