Elizabeth "Beth" Moran

Elizabeth "Beth" (née Pankhurst) Moran, 77, of Grosse Pointe Farms, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and following a recurrence of breast cancer, a disease she fought bravely and from which was in remission for 23 years.
Beth was born in 1948, at Cottage Hospital, to William and Margaret (nee Roadstrum) Pankhurst. She was married to Joe, the love of her life, for 52 years, after having dated him for 10 years, starting in junior high. Together, they raised four children, Megan of, Harbor Springs, MI Matthew of Winnetka, Ill., Elizabeth Lowe of Jupiter, Fla., and William of Wilmette, Ill. They were blessed with seven cherished grandchildren, David, Andrew and Charlotte Lowe, Michael and James Moran and Henry and Molly Moran.
Beth's life revolved around three central themes: family, kids and community.
Family always was Beth's greatest joy and purpose. She loved, nurtured, taught, advocated for, supported and cheer-led each of her four children in ways uniquely suited to their individual personalities. Beth spent time at football, hockey, soccer, swim meets, lacrosse games, recitals and musicals, always with her trademark love, enthusiasm and encouragement. As her children married and grandchildren arrived, family continued to come first - "always, always, always." It was her mission, her passion and her favorite pastime all rolled into one.
Beth married into a large family of seven siblings, with 24 children among them. Each of Joe's siblings loved her as a sister and she embraced them all as her own. She found in the Morans the big, lively family she always dreamed of, despite growing up with one brother and no cousins. She is survived by her brother, William Pankhurst, of Asheville, N.C.
Beth's second lifelong passion was children. After graduating from Wayne State University with a degree in elementary education, her first teaching job was in Highland Park, where she taught third grade in a challenging, underprivileged community. Despite difficult and sometimes dangerous circumstances, she approached her students with conviction, compassion and boundless empathy. She often brought meals and clothing to children in need. She became a trusted figure in their lives - gestures that reflected her extraordinary heart and cemented her lifelong commitment to helping kids.
After the birth of her first child, Beth left teaching for a few years, but soon returned as a part-time pre-kindergarten teacher and later, director, for more than 20 years. Early on, she and two friends creatively swapped childcare duties so each could pursue part-time work, a testament to her organizational skills, determination and energy.
Beth went on to earn an advanced degree in special education and, in 1999, became a full-time pre-kindergarten special-needs teacher in the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Her compassion for children and their families shone brightly in this role; she considered her work a true calling and a gift. She retired in 2012, leaving a lasting legacy of love and learning.
Beth's third great passion was community. She brought energy, creativity and leadership to countless organizations over the years, including the Assistance League, Northeast Guidance Center, where she served as president, and The Family Center. She helped organize Richard Fest, co-chaired Art on the Pointe, led auto show charity preview ticket sales, co-founded the Grosse Pointe South High School girls' hockey team (which she helped elevate to varsity status) and was instrumental in creating the Michigan Girls High School Hockey League. Her involvement extended to the Mothers' Club of Grosse Pointe South, where she served as president, the Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education, Full Circle Foundation and Detroit Institute of Arts, among others. Whatever she touched, she improved with enthusiasm, creativity and love.
Beth also was a sailor in her younger years; a golfer, volleyball and pickleball player; and a dedicated member of a beloved bridge group that played together for more than 40 years. Many of her happiest summers were spent at L'Arbre Croche in northern Michigan, where the family gathered to create memories that will endure for generations.
At the heart of everything was Beth's exceptional character - her generosity, thoughtfulness, empathy and quiet courage. She was known for her legendary birthday memory, kindness toward fellow breast cancer survivors, vast and wonderful circle of friends and grace in facing life's challenges without ever succumbing to self-pity.
In the full circle of life, as her illness progressed, her four children came together, united in love and devotion, to care for her with the same tenderness and strength she had given them throughout her life.
Visitation will occur from 4 to 7 p.m.,Thursday Nov. 13, at Chas. Verheyden Funeral Home, 16300 Mack, Grosse Pointe Park. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Friday Nov. 14, at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms. A reception will begin at 9:30 a.m. She will be interred in the columbarium following the service.
At Beth's request for visitors, " no Black; Wear Bright colors and don't forget the lipstick!"
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Full Circle Foundation, 17006 Mack, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230, fullcirclefdn.org/donate/; or the Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education, 20601 Morningside, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, gpfpe.org/donate/.