Elizabeth Irwin

81, longtime resident of Westwood and Dedham, Mass, died on November 10, 2007 in Falmouth, Maine. Daughter of Beatrice and Merit Todd Cooke, she was born and raised in Philadelphia. After marrying her first husband, William R. Grant, they moved to the Boston area, and together had seven children. Her two oldest children and her three husbands predeceased her, yet she never lost her tremendously positive attitude and her enthusiasm for life. She was an energetic mother who gave her children many fun and adventurous experiences, as well as a love of the outdoors, sports, animals, reading, music and art. She also imparted to them her values, including integrity, intellectual curiosity, optimism, kindness and self discipline. She shared with them her love of Mt. Desert Island, where she enjoyed taking long sails in the family's small boat, island picnics and hiking. After raising her children, she got a masters degree in education and tutored children with learning disabilities at Milton Academy and Dedham Country Day School. She was fascinated by how children learn. She was a master of assessing each child's learning challenges and strengths, and making sense of learning for each child.Throughout her life she pursued many interests including symphony, gardening, bird watching, bridge, and tennis. She was a longtime member of the Fox Hill Garden Club in Westwood and the Contentment Club. She had many cherished friends, who supported her through several tragedies, and to whom her children are forever grateful for their love and nurturing. She was predeceased by her children Billy and Lisa Grant, and her three husbands, William R. Grant, John Worrall, and Thomas B. Irwin. She is survived by her daughters Julie Grant Laing of Portland, Maine, Sarah Grant of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ellen Grant of Cumberland, Maine, Nancy Grant of Portland, Maine and son Peter Grant of Acton, Mass, and their spouses/partners, and nine grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Virginia Simons and her stepdaughters, Tony Griswold, Susan Tew, Rennie Polk and Elizabeth Katz. A memorial service will be held at St Paul's Church in Dedham Mass on December 1 at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow immediately afterwards. In lieu of sending flowers, donations may be made in memory of Elizabeth C. Irwin to Maine Audubon, 26 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, Maine, 04105.