Elizabeth A. Lowry
Waltham
Elizabeth A. Lowry, 84, passed away on February 19th at the UVM Medical Center Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born April 17, 1936, to Donald and Helen McElrea in Lennoxville, Quebec, Canada. She was the fourth of five children and grew up on the farm there. Throughout her high school years she was involved in many athletics, basketball and track. She was active in her 4-H Club.
Liz and her husband Daryl moved to Vermont from Canada after marrying and lived there for much of their married life with their children. For the past 55 years they resided in Vergennes.
She made such an impact on many children and young adults in her work, first as a kindergarten teacher at the Vergennes Cooperative Kindergarten for 22 years. Then as a mathematics instructor at Northlands Job Corps for 22 years before retiring to care for her husband. While working, she took classes to complete her Bachelors of Education degree and then her Masters Degree. After retirement she volunteered as an American Reads Volunteer at Addison Central School for several years and supported many activities for students in other organizations.
Liz has always been extremely active in her support of her community. Her love of music led her to direct a junior choir at the West Addison Methodist Church. Later she became a member of the choir at Vergennes Methodist Church where she also became a lay speaker. She participated in the Certain Sounds Choir group in Ferrisburgh for several years where they performed songs for Christmas and Easter celebrations.
With much of her life involved around agriculture and the rural community, she joined the Family organization of the Grange. She was a member in local Granges, Vermont State Grange and the National Grange for over 50 years where she held many offices and committee roles. She was Master of the Ferrisburgh Grange and sponsored a Junior Grange. Other community activities included memberships in the Eastern Star, Lions Club, Treasurer of the Vergennes Area Senior Services, and a Justice of the Peace in Waltham.
Liz was a talented and creative artist, which was evident through her paintings, knitting, quilting and sewing projects she completed for family and for a variety of organizations in her community and state. She was a voracious reader but also enjoyed being outdoors and gardening and other recreational activities such as bowling, cross country skiing and hiking.
She is survived by her Brothers: William (and wife Petra) McElrea, Angus (and Eleanor) McElrea, Brother-in-Law Brian Lowry, Sister-in-law Dawn (and Andre) Theoret, Jill (and Germain) Boutin. Her children :Sheryl (and Randy)Thurber, Phyllis (and John )Bull of Ferrisburgh, Bruce Lowry of Nashua, N.H., daughter-in-law Patricia Lowry of Vergennes, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is predeceased by her husband Daryl, children; Deborah, Lawrence and H. Ross Lowry, sisters: Audrey (and husband Gerald) Frost, and Margaret Alexander, Brothers-in-law Terrance and Duane Lowry, sister-in-law Marilyn Lowry.
Family was foremost in her life and she leaves them a wonderful legacy. Her laughter, energy and light will be missed by so many close and extended family, friends and neighbors. Her family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love shared with them at this time.
A private service will be held on Sunday, February 28th with a graveside service at a later date. For those who cannot attend in person the funeral services will be recorded and available to watch on the following Wednesday, March 3rd on the Brown-McClay Funeral Home Website which the video will be located on the bottom of the obituary. To read the full obituary or send online condolences to her family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com
Donations in memory of Elizabeth can be made to: Vergennes Area Rescue Squad PO Box 11, Vergennes, VT or Vergennes Area Senior Services ℅ Michele Eastman
The Bicknell family send their condolences. Your mother was such a sweet and kind lady, and always had a smile on her face. We wish you peace and love as you go through the next steps.
So sorry for your loss.
We are sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed spending time with Daryl & Liz. We were sort of competitors back in the days of the degree contests. Both couples were Assistant Steward and Lady Assistant Steward for our teams. And of course we saw them many times at State Grange.
David & Lois Wakefield
Barbara and Scott send you hugs and good thoughts – I remember your mothers beautiful smile as I would drop Erik off at Kindergarten – You are filled with wonderful memories
Much Love
Liz was such a wonderful person, (and of course Daryl, too), as she regularly held “Bone Builders” classes for our residents at Vergennes Residential Care Home. They always looked forward to her visits and her bright smile and positive demeanor. We’ll miss her!
I always enjoyed being with Daryl and Liz at State Grange functions.
Ruth Hovey-Sicely
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I worked with Liz for a number of years and she even performed my wedding several years ago as a justice of the peace. She was a bright soul with a great laugh. I know she will be missed.
I’m so sorry to hear of your mother-in-law’s passing. Sending you my thoughts, prayers and love from Wells, Maine where we now live.
My heart was broken when I heard about Liz. She was the sweetest lady ever. So many wonderful memories of days in Grange and time with the loving family. I believe it was three years ago that I was in a musical in Enosburg. Downstairs as people were leaving I looked up, and there she was. Gif gave me a gift that day seeing her after many years. Love to all the family.
Sorry to hear of Mrs. Lowry’s passing. I have such fond memories of attending her kindergarten class in the basement of the Bixby Memorial Library in the mid 1960’s. She was so welcoming and kind as well as making sure our time with her was fun,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.