Elizabeth R. Schupbach

Elizabeth “Liz” R. Schupbach, 95, of Southington, CT and formerly of Watertown CT, passed away peacefully at The Summit at Plantsville on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Liz was born on November 20, 1928 in the Brooklyn section of Waterbury CT where she resided for many years and attended the local schools. In her heart, she aways held a special place for the Brooklyn neighborhood and especially South Leonard Street, where she lived in a house that her grandparents built, shortly after their arrival from France in the 1880’s. Liz would share many stories of growing up as a young child in the 1930’s and 40’s with her parents, her grandmother, and her aunt in the household on South Leonard Street. Being the oldest of two children, she had many chores, but she also enjoyed those special times in the yard, picking apples, peaches and cherries from the trees, and blueberries from the bushes. She would make bouquets of lilies-of-the-valley and violets, and bring them to the neighbors and to her family. Early in life, Liz would begin working in a factory, as women were not  encouraged to continue their education. She worked at the former Robertshaw Lux Time in Waterbury for many years, followed by other jobs in manufacturing. 

Liz moved to Watertown, where she became an avid gardener and enjoyed shopping at tag sales and antique shops with her cousin Anita Dori.  Liz also enjoyed making ceramics, walks through nature with her nieces and nephews, and learning the Italian language before her visit to Italy.  She took great pleasure in decorating her home for Christmas, ensuring that all could enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, while giving her nieces and nephews the thrill of ordering their gifts from the Sears catalogue.  She loved to play bingo at the VFW on Davis Street, and revisiting the old Brooklyn neighborhood to go to the bakery to buy rye bread and cookies.

Late in life, Liz began a new chapter for herself at her home in Southington.  She thrived in her new surroundings, especially happy to decorate and customize her new home with an independence that was new to her.  While there, she enjoyed sunshine and flowers on her deck, birds fluttering near the windows, squirrels and chipmunks on the deck taunting her cat, and conversation with friendly neighbors.  It was during that time that Liz strengthened her faith and became an active member of Faith Living Church, where she was baptized and spiritually reborn.  She was their oldest member and at the age of 90 was the oldest volunteer for vacation bible study.

In her final years, Liz lost the independence that she so enjoyed and became a resident at The Summit at Plantsville.   The family thanks the staff at The Summit for the care that they provided, with a special thank you to Sonia Montalvo for the special attention that she gave to Auntie Liz.

Liz was a talented self-taught writer and wrote many creative children’s stories and beautiful poems over the years that brought enjoyment to her many nieces and nephews and their children. Her respect for nature and kindness towards all was a hallmark of her life. The family gatherings at her home were always a joyous time for her nieces and nephews. 

Liz was beautiful, loving, creative and intelligent.  She loved a good laugh and good conversation, dining at new restaurants, and the simple pleasures of family, fresh air and sunshine.  She also enjoyed a sip of Irish Cream liquor every once in a while, with a wink.  She had a big smile on her face when, in her 80’s, she took her first motorcycle ride.   She also enjoyed trips to Arizona, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and many parts of New England.  Many of those trips were because of the kindness of a special great-niece, Dawn Thomas, who was a constant presence in her life.  Her family warmly recalls a fabulous and lively 90^th birthday party where they celebrated Liz, with all guests in 1920’s attire.  

Liz’s greatest joy in life was being a beloved aunt, great-aunt, great-great aunt and great-great-great aunt to many nieces and nephews, including Adelaide Thomas (Manny Velez), Joseph Pandolfio (Joel Carvalho), Edwin Pandolfio (Lisa Pandolfio), Albert DeSantis, Mary DelGiudice (Bob DelGiudice), Linda DeSantis (Roy VanWagner), and Mark DeSantis.  She also leaves behind her special cousin Paula Rozkuszka and her family.  Liz loved her cat Patty Wack, now being cared for by family.  

Funeral services will be celebrated privately. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Liz’s memory to Faith Living Church in Plantsville.