Farmington - Elizabeth "Liz" Stevens Smith, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born in East Boothbay, Maine, to James Perkins and Evelyn Thurston Stevens, Elizabeth dedicated herself to education, touching countless lives throughout her 35-year teaching career. Elizabeth attended Boothbay schools and graduated from Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine, in 1957. She earned her BS in Education from Farmington State Teachers College in 1962. Her passion for education led her to teach elementary and high school English in Livermore, Weld, Wilton, and Farmington, where she inspired generations of students with her love of language and literature. As an avid reader, Liz shared her passion for books with her students and family. As a longtime Henderson Memorial Baptist Church member, Elizabeth was a deacon for many years. She enjoyed organizing public meals and festive events, bringing the community together through warmth and hospitality.
Her family will treasure her memory: her children and their spouses, Sharon & Michael Bouchard, Stacey & Charles Ferrand, and Joel & Karen Smith, and her beloved siblings Edith, Ella, Nat, Jacob, and Ellen. Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren, Sadie Davis, Levi Bouchard, Samuel & Joshua Smith, Jessica & Eben Bouchard, and great-grandchildren, Zoë & Ronan Bouchard. Elizabeth touched many lives and will be fondly remembered by her special son-in-heart, Fred Lesperance & wife Joanne, and their children Nate & Erica and their families; special family friend, Mike Haggan; and her companion in recent years, Robert Gale. Her husband of 61 years, Merle Harvey Smith, her son James Harvey Smith, her parents, and her brother Joel B. Stevens preceded Elizabeth in death.
The family will hold a funeral service on Friday, February 7, at 11:00 AM at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church in Farmington. Refreshments and gathering will take place following the service in the Church's fellowship hall. The family welcomes visitors during calling hours the night before from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm at Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, Farmington, Maine.
The family invites friends to purchase flowers from Riverside Greenhouse, Elizabeth's favorite local business. Friends may also honor Elizabeth's memory with Henderson Memorial Baptist Church donations.
A graveside burial service will occur in late spring at Webster Cemetery, North Chesterville Road, Farmington.
Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, Maine, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.