September 30, 1980 – October 9, 2024

Elizabeth Ann Barkowski of Jefferson, CO, passed away surrounded by love and peace at 10:09 am on October 9 at the age of 44, after a valiant seven-and-a-half-year battle with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Liz was born in Illinois to John and Sandy Barkowski on September 30, 1980.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University followed by a Master’s and Doctorate from her beloved University of Texas in Austin. While in Austin she met her soulmate, Nick Gammelgard, and they married on June 14, 2018 in a beautiful chapel in the Hill Country of Texas, a place she adored.

Four years ago, Liz and Nick moved from Texas to Colorado, starting their adventure in Denver before finding their dream home in Park County, nestled deep in the mountains. The mountains gave Liz an enormous amount of spirit, helping her persevere through some difficult times during chemotherapy.

Liz embraced life with a passion and joy that was contagious to all who came in contact with her. She loved the outdoors, especially skiing, and spent hundreds of incredible days on the slopes with Nick, who works as a ski instructor and guest service team member at Breckenridge, CO. She was a natural skier and had the run of her life last year on the high alpine Peak 6, where some of her ashes will be spread with joy! Her joy of the mountain lifestyle kept her alive for many more years than most with this disease of cancer.

Liz loved her animals as well. She and Nick’s beloved dogs, Midge and Chad, were always at her side and they fostered many dogs, helping them find forever homes.

Together, Nick and Liz fought side by side, organizing numerous successful fundraisers from The Susan G. Komen Foundation to Liz’s ongoing SKI FOR BREAST CANCER fundraiser which directly supports medical bills and folks with cancer who are in need. Liz has a wish for everyone to prioritize early detection for your health. She was an altruist to the core.

Liz was preceded in death by her Father. She is survived by her husband, Nick Gammelgard; her mother, Sandy Sanderlin; and her brothers, John Barkwoski and Kyle Sanderlin.
At Liz’s request, there will not be a formal service. We will hold a celebration of life at a later time.