Elizabeth “Liz” Leighton, age 74, passed away on February 11, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington. Liz was born in Englewood, New Jersey and raised in Tenafly, New Jersey. In her youth life took Liz from New Jersey to North Carolina and then to Seattle. In 1985 she moved to Bellingham, Washington and knew she had found her home at last. She was immediately and warmly welcomed into the community at Unity Church where she sang in the Unity Choir for over 30 years and was a regular Service Assistant. Liz was known to always be generous with her hugs.
Liz worked at the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce where she loved welcoming new members. The Bellingham Theater Guild was a passion of hers, and she loved all aspects of it, from performing to working front of house. Liz also loved to learn. She earned two bachelor’s degrees: one in Anthropology in 1974 from Appalachian State in Boone, NC., and the second in English in 1990 from Western Washington University in Bellingham.
Liz was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Ethel Schepp and brother, Ed. She is survived by sister Mary (Frank) Standaert, nieces Beth Standaert, Abby (Eric) Schreier and Sara (Erik) Christ, great nephew and nieces Wyatt, Kacey and Sienna Schreier, and Cora Christ, and cousins Muriel (Jim) Prevatt, Joyce Eury and Tom Prevatt.
A Celebration of Liz’s Life will be held on April 6, at 11:00 AM at Unity Spiritual Care Center of Bellingham, 1095 Telegraph Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Unity Church or Bellingham Theater Guild are encouraged.
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Liz was always a ray of sunshine! Her smiles and hugs were so welcoming and warm, we'll miss her good nature and kind heart. - Bellingham/ Whatcom County Tourism
Liz was the kindest most welcoming person I have had the honor to know. She always met me with that fantastic smile. I will miss her dearly. Kelly Evert Village Books and Paper Dreams