Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Elizabeth Earls Obituary
WORCESTER - Elizabeth V. Earls, 55, of Kingston, R.I., formerly of Worcester, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014 in Rhode Island after a brief but fierce battle with cancer.
Elizabeth leaves her husband Craig M. Syata; stepsons Tyler Mattiace of London and Drew Mattiace of Kingston; her mother M. Frances (Maher) Earls of Worcester; her brother Brian M. Earls and his wife Muriel of Worcester, her sister Marian F. Earls, MD and her husband Jerry Ramsey of Greensboro, N.C., her sister-in-law Donna Mattison-Earls of East Falmouth; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her father Kevin M. Earls died in 1985. Her first husband Michele Mattiace and her brother Kevin Mattison-Earls died in 2004.
Elizabeth was born and raised in Worcester. She was a graduate of Marian High School in Worcester and Georgetown University. She earned a master's degree at Boston College.
Since 2012, Elizabeth has been the assistant director of the R.I. Dept. of Corrections Rehabilitative Services. Previously, she was President and Chief Executive Officer for 21 years of the R.I. Council of Community Mental Health Organizations. Elizabeth spent most of her life as a determined advocate and champion for people with mental illness. Her professional affiliations included serving as board chair of the National Council for Community Behavioral Health, the R.I. chair of the American Civil Liberties Union, and the R.I Coalition on Mental Health. She was an appointee to the Rhode Island Governor's Advisory Council on Health, Council on Behavioral Health, and Commission on Healthcare Reform. She was a founding member of the Rhode Island Children's Policy Coalition, and the Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap Coalition.
Elizabeth was devoted to her family. She enjoyed sailing with her husband on Narragansett Bay. She was also an animal aficionado.
Calling hours are Friday, Aug. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Saturday, August 16 from the funeral home with a Mass at 2 p.m. in St. Peter's Church, 931 Main St., Worcester. Burial will be private.
Contributions in her memory may be made to R.I. Community Food, Bank, 200 Niantic Ave., Providence, RI 02907.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Earls
Judy and Bill Bausha
August 9, 2022
Thinking of you often Liz and miss you so much.
Rose Goulet, LICSW
September 2, 2014
Liz was a beacon of light for the human race. It is so sad to hear that her passion for those in need will no longer be served by her compassion and energy. Her legacy will certainly shine on for those who pick up the cause! May all of her loved ones be blessed with peace in seeing this outpouring of respect for such a dedicated champion in mental health services.
Denise Achin
August 26, 2014
Craig, I am so sorry for your unfathomable loss. Liz was a wonderful person with a lot of integrity and passion. Her passion and advocacy will be missed in the behavioral health community. I pray you and your family find solace in knowing how deeply and widely Liz touched so many lives.
Jim Berson
August 21, 2014
What a loss for Rhode Island. Liz was a true champion for those who were struggling with challenges in their lives while simultaneously trying to overcome the stigma we as a society placed on them. My deepest condolences to Craig and the Earls family.
Jorge and Tammy Garcia
August 21, 2014
We are so deeply saddened to hear of Liz's passing. She was an absolutely inspirational person, wonderful mentor, fierce advocate, and amazing friend and neighbor. She will be deeply missed.
Linda Johnson
August 19, 2014
Craig,
I am so saddened and surprised by the news of Liz's passing. She will always be remembered for her many contributions to the behavioral health community. It was an honor to have known her and to have been witness to her selfless devotion.
My deepest sympathies....
Steve Gumbley
August 18, 2014
My heart goes out to Craig and the Earls family. She was an incredible model of advocacy at its best. I was so looking forward to her incredible leadership bringing much needed change within the correctional system. The loss of her voice and spirit will be felt for a long time. Steve Gumbley
Brian
August 17, 2014
My little sister who shared my ups and downs, my family, our sister and mother and craig and you.so much..I know your path showed you joy...vital to many, I shall always love you!
August 17, 2014
When Liz died the world has lost an incredible inspirational and genuinely integer and loving person. Her humor and fighting spirit will be desperately missed. May she rest in Peace.
Michaele Richter (Harmony,RI)
Laurie
August 17, 2014
Deepest sorrow for Craig and the Earls family. Liz was an amazing human being, always ready to stand up for the less fortunate in any way she possibly could. Determined in her life long passion to make strides and major improvements in mental health services. She was wonderful sister in law and a fantastic loving and caring step mom to my nephews Tyler and Drew. She touched our lives and the lives of many others with her heart and her magnificent smile. This is a great loss for many. We loved her dearly and will miss her so very much..
Joe Brummer
August 16, 2014
I can't really express into words the gratitude and love I have for Liz and I will do my best. She gave me chances I don't know if I would ever have had if she had not seen me for me. She believed in me when others did not. I have such deep and profound gratitude for that. Liz, and the staff of the RI Council of Mental Health Organizations saw potential in me when I don't think anyone else did.
Along with the staff at the Council of Mental Health Organizations, Sue and Sharon, and all the members organization staff and leadership who supported me. I was given chances I may not have ever had if it had not been for Liz. Her belief in me sparked my position as community organizer. It was a life changing event for me. Despite not having a degree, someone believed in me to do great things. With her mentoring, I did.
Apart from my professional relationship with Liz, she was also a dear friend. Liz hosted my wedding to my love of the past 14 years in her back yard. She and my friends at the Council of Mental Health Organizations planned and made happen the best wedding ever. Liz made all the food with Craig as our grill master. It was and remains the most memorable moments of my life. How do you repay someone for something so amazing as your wedding, especially a same-sex wedding when it wasn't trendy yet.
Liz also helped me during my degree program at Roger Williams. She wrote letter after letter helping me get credit for life experiences for my work at the Council. For most classes, they needed 2 letters of recommendation. For those where Liz wrote a letter, they passed me on with just one letter from Liz. Don't know what she wrote but it must have been awesome. I was awarded credit for all the classes she supported me in getting credits. I can't thank her enough.
I have no words for how grateful I am Liz came into my life and touched my future. I owe so much of my success in life to her support, guidance, and her belief in me. I will be forever changed she was a part of my history, and I am deeply better as a person that she was a part of my life.
Jeffrey Renzi
August 16, 2014
My thoughts to your family. Liz is someone who will be missed both for her advocacy relating to behavioral health and her commitment to rehabilitation of offenders at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. Liz showed that one person can make a difference.
Kathy & John Digits
August 16, 2014
Liz was a wonderful and compassionate person who truly championed advocacy for the mentally ill and children. Kathy & I enjoyed many experiences with Liz at conferences and workshops. Her loss will be felt by the Rhode Island community.
Kathy & John Digits
Alice and Philip Bernard
August 16, 2014
To Liz's beloved family and friends; Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Liz was a dear friend of many, many years ago. In fact, most of our fondest high school memories include Liz. Those qualities of hers mentioned by friends and colleagues in this guest book were very much present during her teenage years as she would always champion the cause of the underdog in one form or another. Her wit and keen intellect was infective even then. Although it has been many years, our love and admiration for this dear friend of our youth continues. Again please be assured of our prayers, trusting that Our dear Lord and His loving Mother are caring for Liz now. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
August 16, 2014
I am saddened for the Earls' family and all who loved Liz. Her death is also a terrible loss to those who seek mental health services in Rhode Island, in the prison system and community. I am grateful for the life of Liz and the light her life is to each of us. Peace and love to all who will grieve for Liz, Karen
Elizabeth Burke Bryant
August 16, 2014
To Craig and all of Liz's wonderful family - I send my deepest sympathy to you. Liz was a true champion of children and families and one of the most committed and effective advocates I ever met. And she was one of the nicest, most caring people I have ever known. She provided outstanding leadership on behalf of the state's most vulnerable children and families through her work at the Association of Community Mental Health Centers, the Children's Policy Coalition, and at Corrections. She always worked in close partnership with all of us at Rhode Island Kids Count and we will miss her deeply. I am away and can't be there to celebrate her remarkable, meaningful life at the service, but she will be an ongoing inspiration to me and so many others as the work she so believed in continues.
Kimberly Rose
August 15, 2014
Rhode Island has lost a true champion, advocate & hero. Her tenacity, heart & humor have indelibly impacted all those who were lucky enough to know her, work along side her and those she tirelessly fought for. May you rest easy Liz... We will humbly strive to make you proud and carry your work forward.
DAVID WILLIAMS
August 15, 2014
Are thoughts are with the Earls family and our friend, Marian.
Don & Mary Geiger
August 15, 2014
We knew Liz so briefly, but will forever remember a gracious lady and hostess. We will never forget our sailing adventure with Liz as the crew. Our hearts go out to Craig at this time of great loss.
Carol Traxler
August 15, 2014
Liz's energy and compassion will be missed by all.
Pat Jaehnig
August 15, 2014
Liz brought so much energy, insight and integrity to every endeavor. She will be sadly missed in the RI community.
May she rest in peace.
Mud and Chuck Rocheleau-Demers
August 15, 2014
Sending waves of love out to Liz's family ... such sorrow you all must be feeling ... so quick, so shocking. Please know loving thoughts are with you and prayers are sent for you and your dear Liz, whom I fondly remember back from high school days. In friendship,
Annette Tsuji
August 15, 2014
Muriel, I was very sorry to read of your sister-in-law's passing. Pls extend my condolences to your husband and family. It sounds as if she touched many lives.
Todd and Barb
August 15, 2014
Craig our prayers are with you. Liz and you were a perfect couple.
If you need ANYTHING, please call.
Kate Lyon
August 15, 2014
Liz gave so much to so many people. Her passing is a huge loss to everyone who knew her.
Todd and Barb Burley
August 15, 2014
Craig and Liz were a great match. It is such a great loss to loose someone so young and vibrant. Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig and her family. Call if you need ANYTHING!
Linda Lynch
August 15, 2014
I was so sad to hear of Liz's passing. She was an incredible woman who will be missed by many. She had an amazing zest for life and for helping people. God Bless.
Frank Anselmo
August 15, 2014
I would like to extend my sympathy to Craig and Liz's families. She and you are in our prayers. I know I will celebrate her life, this intelligent and funny colleague and friend I was blessed to meet over twenty years ago.
I am sure when I get over the shock of her loss I will smile often as I remember her determination, intellect and humor she so generously shared in her advocacy for fairness and decency - it was part of her being.
Family, friends, baseball, sailing, her love for two and four legged mammals. She enriched the lives' of so many including mine.
May she rest in peace.
Maggie Picot
August 15, 2014
My heart was filled with sorrow upon hearing the news about Liz. I am honored and blessed to have known her for the short time I did. She was truly a wonderful woman and was cherished by everyone who knew her or worked with her at the RI Department of Corrections. May her family find comfort in knowing that her legacy in the Human Services field will live on. RIP my Boss and friend.
Kathy McGowan
August 15, 2014
I am so sorry. Liz always was so vibrant, friendly, and helpful. When I first began attending National Council meetings, she extended friendship to this Montana girl. I always looked forward to seeing her.
Sherry Hay
August 15, 2014
I am so saddened to receive this news. Liz was such a lovely person giving so graciously to those around her. I met Liz through her sister, Marian, because we did some work together that took us to RI. She was so gracious to let us stay with her in home. I later got to see Liz when she came to NC during the ENO river festival. A bright light...touching so many people. She will missed. Everyone in the family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Kara Sweeney Guerriero
August 15, 2014
What a wonderful, passionate woman, and an amazing, tireless advocate. I feel fortunate to have been able to know Liz as both a friend and colleague. My thoughts and prayers for Craig and all her family. She will be greatly missed.
Deborah Clarke
August 15, 2014
Liz was a very special person and I am grateful to have known her.
Joseph Marocco
August 15, 2014
LIZ, we didn't wotk together long at the DOC but you will be missed; rest in peace.
August 15, 2014
Sincere condolences to Liz's family and friends.
A high quality advocate and smart administrator who will be sorely missed by all in the Rhode Island community.
RIP
Tom Romeo
Grace Osediacz
August 15, 2014
To Liz's family and friends,
I am saddened to hear of Liz's passing. She was a wonderful advocate for folks and I admired her strength and courage to always be at the top of her game. She was good to work with in all areas - whether children, families or adults. She will be remembered by many as the voice of reason and logic while always maintaining compassion for those Liz worked for and with in the community. My deepest condolences on losing a loved one, and, may you find peace. Blessed Be...
mike earls
August 15, 2014
Thank you Liz for being an amazing aunt. I will always treasure the memories we had together - red sox games, tom petty concerts, NYC, the music ride at old orchard beach.... Love you aunt Liz, Good bless.
Michael Sicard
August 15, 2014
Liz was an amazing person and will be greatly missed. She worked so hard for the Mental Health Community. A strong and gentle voice has been silenced and taken from us far too soon. RIP Liz.
Susan Bowler
August 14, 2014
Liz contributed so much to the behavioral health community in RI. She will be greatly missed.
Dawn Wardyga
August 14, 2014
So very sorry to hear this sad news. I've served on numerous committees and task forces in RI over many, many years and have always had the utmost respect for her as a friend and colleague. Liz will be missed by many...
Neil Corkery
August 14, 2014
Craig & Liz's Family, Maureen and I extend our deepest sympathy over the loss of a most special woman. I had the pleasure of not only working as a colleague of Liz but Maureen and I were the recipients of her zest for life. Liz had a profound influence on behavioral health care services, not only in Rhode Island but nationally as well . We are all the better for her achievements and diminished by her loss. May she rest in peace .
Joseph Jankowski
August 14, 2014
I didn't work with her long here at DOC, but I found Ms. Earls to be a charming lady. A real pleasure to work with. Such a loss of a fine person doesn't make sense. My prayers go out to her family, God bless you Liz.
The Crew at Brewer Yacht Yard Cowesett
August 14, 2014
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Stephen DeRosa
August 14, 2014
I knew and worked with Liz for over 20 years, and Liz always displayed a wonderful blend of empathy, sharp intelligence, and dedication to human services, which was for her not a career, but a vocation. She was graceful under intense pressures, resolute, funny and insightful, and somehow able to herd cats so that the work she believed in always moved forward. We will all miss her; while grief has its time, her spirit is strong and how we remember her would make her smile.
Marylouise Joseph
August 14, 2014
Rest In peace Liz.
Judy and Bill Bausha
August 14, 2014
Liz was a very special woman. We have known her for many years. She and Craig were our boat mates. They opened their home to us many times. We will miss her so much.
August 14, 2014
I knew Liz for a very short time. We worked on a committee together. She was a wonderful person. My heart and prayers go out to her family. Leslie Ramos
Mary Jane Foley
August 14, 2014
Liz you were like a little sister to me and I love you. Our lives are better because of you. I wish I had the words to help all of you through this, but please know how deeply sorry I am and how much I love all of you.
Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results
Make a Donation
in Elizabeth Earls's name
Memorial Events
for Elizabeth Earls
How to support Elizabeth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Elizabeth Earls's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
