Elizabeth Vose Southwick

Beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend Elizabeth (Haywood) Vose Southwick died June 2, 2015 with her family by her side. She was 88 years old, born in 1927 to Ella Haywood Vose and Arthur Williams Vose in Milton, Massachusetts. Elizabeth attended Massachusetts School of Art and Design in Boston, graduating with degrees in Art History and Elementary Education. She met her husband, Arthur Frederick Southwick, while he was stationed in Boston during World War II. They married in 1949, lived briefly in Ohio, and moved to Ann Arbor where they lived the remainder of their lives. Still, her heart always held a special affection for Boston. Arthur, a renowned professor of Business Law and Hospital Administration at the University of Michigan, passed away in 1997.

Elizabeth is also preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Mary Robinson and Constance Marsden. She is survived by her daughters Nancy Rago (Paul), Joanne Jellison (William), and Leslie Wilhelm Hatch (Larry). She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Joseph, Adam, and Grace Rago; Cara Jellison Burris (Tom), Peter and Laurie Jellison, and Derek Wilhelm. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and had joyful relationships with each. Everyone who knew Liz appreciated her common-sense approach and sense of humor. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth was a devoted Christian and member of First Presbyterian Church for nearly 60 years, where she taught Sunday school for decades and served as a dedicated volunteer. She was also a Lifetime Member of the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop, working with the organization until she was 87 years old. An accomplished artist and seamstress, Elizabeth was well-known for her creative talents, including bringing to life many soft sculpture dolls. For more than 25 years, she and her daughters sold handwork at local Christmas bazaars. Other interests included learning about and collecting antiques, particularly Weller pottery. She appreciated art and design in every facet of life.

Elizabeth’s remains will be interred in Wooster, Ohio, her husband’s hometown. A service celebrating her life will be held at First Presbyterian Church (Ann Arbor, Michigan) on Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m. Please join the family for a reception following the service. Gifts in Elizabeth’s memory may be made to the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop, 3530 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or to First Presbyterian Church Children’s Ministries, 1432 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.