Elisabeth Alexander Waterworth Russell, Norwich, Vermont, died January 31, 2021, after complications from surgery a few months earlier. Born in Philadelphia on November 4, 1937, to Harold Alexander Waterworth and Laura (Dean Read Waterworth) Kaltenbach, she was educated at the Agnes Irwin School, Camp Onaway, Miss Porter’s School ‘55, and Smith College ‘59. At each of these schools, she made many close friends to whom she was devoted until her death. She also studied under Violette di Mazia at the Barnes Foundation outside Philadelphia.

Liz worked in the philanthropy offices of Bryn Mawr College and Dartmouth College, forging lasting relationships with the staff and alumni of those institutions. In fact, she was the only adopted member of Dartmouth’s Class of 1952. Liz supported and was active in many community, educational, arts, and environmental organizations in Philadelphia and in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire/Vermont. As a young parent, she became an avid supporter of Montessori education, sending her children to The Children’s House (now Gladwyne Montessori), and eventually serving on that school’s board of trustees. Her proudest contribution to the Upper Valley was in 2002, when she and her husband, Angus, worked with the Upper Valley Land Trust to conserve land abutting the Appalachian Trail now known as the Cossingham Road Farm Trails. She found immense pleasure in meeting neighbors on the trails.

Her love of learning and adventure continually brought her friendships across generations and communities. She loved speaking Italian, cooking, sharing, and eating locally grown food (including her own), visiting museums, and attending opera, theater, and films. In the summer, she could be found brushhogging her beloved trails, vigorously eradicating invasive plants, and “inviting” children and neighbors to help her wrangle her sheep and pigs. In the winter, she would entice family and friends to ski or hike “just a little bit further.” This often led to some interesting and longer-than-expected bushwacks. Always looking for a view, she and Angus loved hiking in the White Mountains, but only Liz was willing to summit Mt. Moosilauke on New Year’s Day with her sons.

She treasured her extended family and made many trips to England and Italy to connect with her cousins.

Liz was married to the late Angus M. Russell for 49 years. They have three children, Laura Russell (Brick Moltz), Warner, NH, Alex Russell (Sarah Skofield), Livingston, MT, and John Russell (Anne), Kent, CT, and four grandchildren, Cannon Moltz, John Moltz, Colter Russell, and John Angus Russell.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Upper Valley Haven, 713 Hartford Avenue, White River Junction, VT 05001.