Liz Russell

Elizabeth Ann (Cragle) Russell,  82

Elizabeth Ann Cragle Russell quietly slipped away in the morning with her children by her side on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Born on March 21, 1942, to Anthony and Betty Cragle, Liz grew up on a farm in Orwell, Pennsylvania, alongside her two sisters, Connie and Jane, and her brother Bob. She graduated from Northeast Bradford Jr-Sr High School in 1960. From an early age, she embraced the values of family, hard work, resilience, and community—a foundation that guided her through a life rich in purpose, passion, and devotion to others.

Liz was a dynamo – a force of nature, and a whirlwind of energy. She was a true Aries—bold, passionate, ambitious, and smart. She had a heart of gold and lived life on her own terms, whether managing the demands of running a household, the family farm and machinery business, sewing garments, or organizing community activities.

She made daily life meaningful, filling her children’s world with activities, lessons, love... and food! Her children fondly remember epic grocery shopping trips where she could fill two carts while keeping the bill under $100. She created magic at Christmas with homemade treats and festive decorations, and she made Halloween costumes by hand, stitched prom dresses, and even designed her own wedding dress at the age of 18.

She was a teacher in the art of canning and cooking, often gathering friends to form an assembly line in the kitchen to can and preserve vegetables from her big, bountiful garden. She had a special love for crafting, sewing, and sharing laughter with her wonderfully spirited friends. She never stopped moving, juggling countless responsibilities from farm and home to running her own business, and somehow, managed to have meals ready for a family of seven every single day. After raising her five children, she pursued a career as a CNA, continuing her lifelong passion for caring for others.

She played an integral role in her community, serving as Class Mom for Northeast Bradford’s Class of 1982, planning fundraisers for their senior trip. She volunteered with the Rome Fire Department Auxiliary, and organized Palm Sunday smorgasbord dinners. She was an excellent cook, known for her apple pie, zucchini relish, and potato salad. She loved to go bowling and participated on bowling teams in her younger years.

Music filled her home. Liz could play the accordion and the piano with gusto! The entire family sang together at the Orwell Bible church, harmonizing with mom’s vibrant soprano voice while “daddy sang bass.” Liz ensured her children had opportunities beyond farm life, shuttling them to piano lessons, sports events, band concerts, and school dances—though the latter became less fun when she took on school security officer duties!

Liz cherished her family above all else. She fiercely loved her children, found immense pride in her grandchildren, and delighted in her great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Losing her son, Larry, was one of the hardest times in her life, as they were kindred spirits. She found great joy in the company of her brother Bob and his wife Penny, and in her later years, she was blessed with the friendship and care of Ginny Thoman, who quickly became family.

Liz was a woman who lived life her way—boldly, unapologetically, and with boundless love. She may not have understood why her children traveled to “Guacamole” (Guatemala) or other faraway places, but she had a deep curiosity for their interests and activities. When reminiscing about her family, she recalled, “as far as I know, there wasn't a felon in the bunch!" She was never out of touch with them, always accepting, honest, and full of perspective.

She lived for others—her family and her community. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on in the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the bold spirit she shared with those who were lucky enough to know her.

Liz spent her final years at Towanda Skilled Nursing Unit, where she was cared for with kindness and compassion. Her family will always be grateful to the staff for their dedication and support.

Liz is survived by her children: Nancy Russell of Cheyenne, WY, Sheila Russell (Terry Cobb) of Rome, PA, Marilyn Russell (Richard Boyd) of Palm Bay, FL, and Lincoln (Dawn) Russell of Bensalem, PA; her grandchildren: Brian Wacker, Moss Wacker, Chad (Kristin) Russell, Jennifer Pardoe Maines (Kevin Maines), Todd (Janette) Pardoe, Matthew (Alycia) Pardoe, William and Danielle Russell, and Lauren Boyd; great grandchildren: Anthony Roberts, Paisleigh, Bryson and Leighan Maines, Trace (Kayla) Pardoe, Allie, Hailey and Cameron Pardoe, Payten and Maddison Pardoe, Jaxon Dunne; great-great granddaughter Thea Pardoe. She will also be missed by her brother Bob Cragle (Penny).   She was predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Betty Cragle; her sisters Jane Cragle and Connie Jones; a great-grandson Andrew Pardoe; and a son-in-law, John Wacker.

Abiding with her wishes, services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.  Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com  Donations may be made in her memory to the Towanda Skilled Nursing Unit Activities Department to fund activities and promote art and music programs.