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Elizabeth Roman

The children of Elizabeth Russell Roman announce the passing of their beloved mother. A long-time resident of Old Saybrook, Liz, as she was called, departed this world on Jan. 4, 2024, in Pulaski, Tennessee, at the age of 77. She was born on April 28, 1946, in Boston to Betty (Griffin) and Wilbur H. Russell Jr.

After graduating from North Haven High School in 1965, Liz pursued her passion for the arts at Paier College in Hamden while she waited for her husband, Donald Roman, to return from Vietnam. Liz then ventured West to be with Don at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California. Following the birth of their first daughter in 1969 and the completion of Don’s service, the family returned to Connecticut to be close to relatives, establishing roots in the shoreline community of Old Saybrook.

Liz co-created a vibrant and full life, raising her four children to value education, community, and independence. She encouraged participation in sports, cultural arts, the Boy and Girl Scouts, camping, and volunteer activities. Liz opened the family home to foreign exchange students, embraced a variety of family pets, and co-orchestrated summer road trips up and down the East Coast, fostering cherished family memories. An accomplished DIY-er, Liz’s talents spanned antiquing, furniture restoration, basket weaving, home renovations, gardening, quilting, and sewing. Her creative spirit manifested in everything from crafting Halloween and skating costumes to sculpting amazing birthday cakes.

In addition to raising her children, Liz worked in the banking industry, retiring from Citizens Bank. Her commitment to community service was evident through her volunteer work with the Connecticut Grange, First Church of Christ in Saybrook, March of Dimes, and the American Heart Association.

Liz is now reunited in heaven with her parents and sister, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, and a commitment to ensuring the well-being of others. She is survived by her former husband, Donald M. Roman Sr. of Pittsboro, North Carolina; her children, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Christine A. Beeler of Ardmore, Tennessee; Donald M. Roman Jr. of Old Saybrook; Robert M. Roman of Monroe, New York; and Rebecca L. Roman of Charleston, South Carolina; and a grandson, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Tyler M. Roman.

For those wishing to pay their respects, a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21, at the First Church of Christ (UCC) in Saybrook, located at 366 Main Street, Old Saybrook. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Liz’s name to CURE Epilepsy (www.cureepilepsy.org).