In Memoriam: Liza Kabanova (JD '11)

Pepperdine Caruso Law alumna Liza Kabanova (JD ‘11) passed away on October 17 after a year-long battle with cancer. Liza was an involved alumna of Pepperdine Caruso Law, serving as a preceptor and attending local alumni events for many years. Liza also worked at Pepperdine University as the assistant director for Safety, Learning & Engagement during her legal career.  She is remembered by her Pepperdine family as a kind, generous, and intelligent colleague.  

From Liza’s obituary:

Liza Kabanova was born in Germany in 1987 and spent her childhood in Germany, Russia, Canada, and the US. In recent years, she lived and worked in LA, attending Vintage Church in Santa Monica. She made lasting friendships through many community groups and the emotionally healthy spirituality groups that she facilitated for her peers. She mentored and served children of all ages throughout her life, including being a big sister through Big Brother Big Sister in Philadelphia and most recently serving the high school youth team at her church. She was passionate about giving everyone a voice and a seat at the table through her work in diversity, equity and inclusion. She was a bright member of many communities, including the International School of Indiana (ISI), Bucknell University and Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.

Liza's favorite word was wanderlust - her friends know her for her adventurous spirit, love of travel, and fluency in lots of languages and cultures. Her optimism and cheerfulness were an inspiration for everyone around her. She made close friends wherever she went because of her sincere thoughtfulness and warmth. She delighted in putting her friends first, whether it was always having the perfect gift, surprising you with a sweet treat just because, or never forgetting a birthday!

Liza was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in November 2022. She moved from LA to Pennsylvania to live with the parents of an old friend. Although she was a city girl at heart, Liza embraced farm life and enjoyed long walks, horses, and her adopted dog Gus. She had the constant company of many friends old and new. She remained optimistic and cheerful throughout a long battle, leaning on her faith for strength. She died peacefully on the morning of October 17th 2023 with her caregivers by her side.

Liza asked that in lieu of flowers, cards, or gifts, donations be made to the International Justice Mission at: https://www.ijm.org/