Elizabeth B MacPherson

Elizabeth B. MacPherson passed away on March 7, 2023. Born in Tarrytown, NY, Elizabeth spent her formative years in Reading, MA. After graduating from Reading High School, she went to work for the John Hancock Insurance Company in the footsteps of her mother, Charlotte Bellows.

Elizabeth’s life centered on her husband, Neil D. MacPherson, and three sons. Working at one of the hardest jobs there is, a homemaker, she created a nurturing and loving environment for her family. Her job wasn’t easy. Neil was gone summers during his active duty in the Army Reserve, and the three children had to be taken to jobs, sports, and – all too frequently – the hospital for a wide range of injuries and illnesses. But no matter how tired she was or how busy the day had been, there was always a hot meal waiting for the family at dinnertime, lunches made for school, a spotlessly clean house to reside in, and a smile or hug when you arrived home.

Elizabeth passed away nearly one year to the day after the love of her life, Neil D. MacPherson. In his obituary, we wrote at the time:

“The story of Neil's life entirely revolves around the brunette he fell in love with during the 8th grade in Reading, MA. That love never faltered. They were married in 1958 after Neil's graduation. They had the love affair out of a Stephen Spielberg movie……Their love lasted for over 73 years in total and 64 in marriage. Neil's life revolved around Liz, as Liz's revolved around Neil. Even in his last days, he beamed, listening to stories of how he and Liz met. They were a formidable couple, made even stronger because they knew their love would be the rock providing the foundation of their lives together.” 

You could substitute her name for his, and the story was identical. For a year, Elizabeth struggled to find a life without Neil. In the end, her love for him made it easy to pass into her next phase with grace and dignity, looking forward to slow-dancing with the handsome man she met all those years ago.

Elizabeth’s life wasn’t always the easiest. She came from what she always referred to as the “wrong side of the tracks” and was the “kid from Mudville.” She endured decades-long pain from severe rheumatoid arthritis. But that didn’t stop her from being an incredible chef or learning the art of stenciling used to decorate the entire house. She was a woman of many talents.

It also didn’t stop her from pushing for excellence daily for her family. She and Neil raised three children she was immensely proud of – often speaking about their college graduation, career successes, and the grandchildren they brought into the world. She loved to travel, particularly to England and Bermuda, along with trips across the United States. 

Elizabeth is predeceased by her parents Norman Bellows and Charlotte Bellows. She is survived by sister Barbara Tompkins and sister-in-law Marie MacPherson as well as three sons, Douglas MacPherson (and wife Glayol Sahba), Robert MacPherson (and wife Jennifer Ace MacPherson), and Thomas MacPherson (and wife Lori MacPherson). She is survived by four grandchildren – Roshena MacPherson, Ossian Sahba, Gates MacPherson, and Robert MacPherson Jr. She is also survived by three nephews and one niece. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the Neil D. MacPherson Suite at Tabby’s Place. The address is 1100 US Highway 202, Ringoes, NJ 08551.