Elizabeth "Liz" E. (Elliott) Leith

TROY - Elizabeth “Liz” Elliott Leith passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 24, 2025, in Troy, New York.

She was born on February 25, 1933, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Charles Morris Elliott and Lucy Aikin Elliott, both pioneering educators in the fields of special education and home economics.

Liz attended Albion College and graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Education. A lifelong “happy camper,” she worked as a camp counselor where she excelled at archery, marksmanship, synchronized swimming, and canoeing - leading many whitewater trips in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Throughout her life, Liz embraced a variety of roles with creativity and passion. She began as an elementary school teacher, ran an interior design business, worked in retail, and served multiple terms on the Brittonkill School Board.

A dedicated community volunteer, Liz was president of the Van Rensselaer Garden Club and actively involved with numerous organizations, including the Troy Historical Society (now the Hart Cluett Museum), Unity House, the Rensselaer County Council for the Arts, and the Brunswick Historical Society. She was a founder of both the Brunswick Library and the Brunswick Historical Society, and worked closely alongside her husband, Dean H. Leith Jr., founder of Capital Roots (formerly the Capital District Community Gardens).

Liz met Dean at the University of Michigan in a speech class. She earned honors in oration, debate, costuming, and dance. A gifted seamstress and hostess, Liz had a unique talent for creating beautiful spaces and joyful gatherings on short notice.

She was known for her infectious smile and a warmth that made everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the room. She and Dean were active members of the West Norwalk Presbyterian Church and the White Church of Brunswick, where they taught youth and adult classes and developed lasting friendships until the mid 1970s. Liz ultimately rejected fundamentalism of every stripe; choosing instead to embrace the Golden Rule and find profound meaning in the beauty and renewal of the natural world.

Liz is survived by her beloved children: Lisa (Sam) Hazen; Andrew (Marjorie) Leith; and David (Veronique McAree) Leith. Her cherished grandchildren: Jake (Carina Guerra) Hazen; Sachi (James Hosken) Leith; Lucy Leith; Francis Leith; and Violetta Leith. Her brother: Charles (Carol Heaton) Elliott. Nieces and nephews: Maggie (Peter) Elliott Morris; Kate Elliott; Jennifer (Chris) Leith Thompson; and Rick Sterner. She also leaves behind many dear friends too numerous to name.

Liz received loving care in her final days from Selena Rush, Kadian Alston and Company in her home, as well as the compassionate staff at the Marjorie Doyle Rockwell Center in Cohoes and the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center Courtyard in Troy.

A celebration of Liz’s life will be announced the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Liz’s memory may be made to Capital Roots 594 River Street,  Troy, NY: www.capitalroots.org. And to honor Liz, please appreciate and/or plant a garden, large or small – as she found so much joy in growing things.

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