Died October 22, 2024
Northport – Amy Beth Harrison, 60, passed away of natural causes on Monday, October 22, 2024, at her home, “The Log.”
Amy was born January 16, 1964, in Lafayette, Indiana, the daughter of Joseph and Ann (Gillespie) Harrison III. She was raised in Attica, Indiana, but was a lifelong summer resident of Northport, Michigan. A lover of sun and sand, she lived for many years in Fort Myers Beach, Florida where she was known as Taco Amy, owner and operator of Taco Caliente restaurant. Later she relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where she met her husband-to-be, Jeffrey Wallis Elston. They were married in Northport on September 6, 2003, and continued to split their time between Arizona and Northport. They later sold their Arizona home and made Northport their “forever” happy place. Jeff passed away on March 30, 2023.
Amy was known for her enthusiasm, boundless generosity, and caring nature, and the doors to both her house and heart were always open to everyone. If she encountered someone in need, she always tried to assist, be it by running an errand, delivering a meal, or offering a ride. Her generous nature was particularly evident during the most difficult months of the pandemic, when Amy spent countless hours preparing and delivering meals to housebound “neighbors” throughout the peninsula, and otherwise helping seniors in need.
To Amy, every stranger was a potential acquaintance, every acquaintance a potential friend, every friend a part of her family. Everyone she loved received the full measure of her loyalty and praise, and she couldn’t help bragging, to anyone who would listen, that you were the very best at this or that — the handiest, the smartest, the funniest, or in some other way, the greatest!
As full as Amy’s heart was, so was her refrigerator. She loved to host, and cooked for friends and neighbors at every opportunity, whipping up everything from morel mushroom soup in the spring to her “secret recipe” chili in the fall. And every delicious dinner she served at The Log would invariably be followed by an energetic game of Quiddler, Spite & Malice, or Euchre.
Amy also loved sports and demonstrated her natural athletic ability at the annual Northport Promise golf tournament, hiking at Leelanau State Park or Lighthouse West, and kayaking in the waters off Cherry HomeShores. Shewasalsothedriving force behind “The Codgers” trivia team, playing most Monday nights at Northport Pub & Grill.
She was, to borrow her own words, “a sharp shooter” and “a rock star!”
Amy is survived by her sisters and brother: Holly A. Harrison (Andrew Neal), Tracy J. Harrison (Victor Peterson), Thomas J. Harrison (Christy), Kitty L. Harrison, and Christy Harrison Schaefer (Erik Nielsen); her step daughter, Jessica Kissinger (Steven); her step grandchildren, Janeia and Frankie Kissinger; her thirteen nieces and nephews: Harry, Sam, Jack, Joe and Mary Neal; Reid and Royce Harrison; Stella, James and Amelia Griffin; Peyton, Sawyer, and Reagan Schaefer; her great nephew Arthur Neal; many cherished friends, including Barb Featherly and Trevor Jones; and her devoted four-legged companion Marvin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Jeff, and Oliver, her first puppy love.
Memorials in Amy’s honor may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society, online at www.cherrylandhumane.org or by mail at 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, MI 49696, or to The Northport Promise, online at www.northportpromise.com or by mail at PO Box 292, Northport, MI 49670. The family is planning A Celebration of Life for Amy this summer. Details forthcoming.
Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.
