ELIZABETH WEST Obituary

WEST, Elizabeth 74, of Boxborough and formerly of Acton, died on July 22, 2017. She had been living with cancer for over a decade, and was always grateful for the help and support--rides, company, joke-telling, listening--she received from her family, friends, and health care providers. She was the mother of Jessamyn Charity West of Randolph, VT, and Katherine Elizabeth West, of Stow, MA. She was also the foster mother of Barry S. Woodward of Lowell, MA. Elizabeth is survived by her children, by her brother, Peter Coyote, and by numerous "cousins," an assortment of family and non-family members who enriched her life. Liz loved her town, her family, and her home. She was a lifelong volunteer who served on numerous local boards and committees and was a writer for the former Boxborough Bee and the current Boxborough Buzz, as well as having co-written the Boxborough history book. She volunteered for many local organizations often by providing writing assistance or personalized photography. Professionally, she wrote educational materials for over thirty years. She also had an abiding interest in art that she pursued passionately after retirement when she began to devote part of every day to photography. She leaves behind thousands of digital images of the things she found beautiful: her town, her friends and family and the natural world, that are free for anyone to use at flickr.com/photos/calliope. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Household Goods Recycling in Acton, MA; or to the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden in Harvard, MA. A Celebration of Life is planned for August 19th.

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Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 1 to Aug. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for ELIZABETH WEST

4 Entries

Linda Shelales

August 22, 2017

I met Liz few years ago at the Assabet Valley Camera Club meetings. I loved her photography, her unique views and the way she captured the magic in common' subjects others might miss. One of my favorites was one she took of leaves covered with frost.
Liz was a great teacher. I remember when she taught photoshop tutorials during our AVCC meetings. She spoke so clearly and deliberately, seemed to have a knack for simplifying or just rephrasing complex concepts and processes, breaking it all down. Liz made hard seem easy.
Liz was also an active member of the AVCC Executive Board, where her sharp mind, fresh perspectives, PR, writing, publishing experience were invaluable and highly respected. When Liz spoke everyone listened. But she was a good listener, too! I will miss her wisdom and that wonderful voice.
I especially admired the way Liz never let her health challenges define her or keep her from contributing and taking on responsibilities. She even joked with me once about her own situation when she saw I was using a cane. Liz advised me to keep a cane in every room. Because you'll forget where you left it last. I'm always doing that!
Liz embodied so many good qualities: leadership, a positive attitude, kindness, intelligence, courage and an incredible quiet strength. Liz will be sorely missed and always remembered by those of us who had the honor of being part of her life.
Dear friend, rest in peace.
Linda Shelales

Cheryl Culver

August 17, 2017

Your light will always shine bright Liz!

Cheryl Culver

August 17, 2017

Elizabeth, your beautiful smile and intelligent mind, along with all the knowledge you shared, will be missed. You were a true trailblazer for women. You donated so much of your time and knowledge, you knew so much. I have looked up to you from the time that I met you! I had the honor to know you and I do mean honor. Your life meant so much to me. You always had great advice to give, you listened to people. You gave so much of yourself, never looking for a payback of any kind. I can't thank you enough for taking so many great pictures of my business, and marketing materials, and employees. We had so much fun, enjoying a lunch and just talking. I am so deeply saddened that we did not get to have our last lunch together that we planned, I was so looking forward to it. Thank you Elizabeth West for being a true friend, an intelligent and beautiful women. For teaching me so much and always, sharing your ideas. I miss you and I will remember and love you forever. Until we meet again, Liz.

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