Elizabeth Laird

Elizabeth Laird passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024, to be with her Lord. Born on May 13, 1984, she grew up in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. At 13, she moved to Sheffield to live with Rick and Debbie Russell, where she met lifelong friends. Elizabeth’s warm and vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She was spunky, silly, and filled with love.

Elizabeth had a passion for the arts and loved drawing, painting, and writing poetry. She found joy in long walks through the woods and swimming in the chilly brooks near her home. At 18, she moved to Newport, Vermont, where she started her first job and got her own apartment. It was there she rekindled a friendship with her childhood friend, Jason Wing. They married in 2002 and, a year later, welcomed their beautiful daughter, Althea, into the world. Though Elizabeth and Jason eventually parted ways, they remained close friends and co-parented Althea with love and dedication.

After working in the Lyndonville and St. Johnsbury area, Elizabeth decided to explore the world. She transformed the back seat of her pickup truck into a cozy sleeping space and set off on an adventure across the country. Her travels eventually led her to Illinois, where she met Morgan Laird. The two married on January 21, 2021, beginning a new chapter in Elizabeth’s life.

In April 2023, Elizabeth’s heart was filled with joy when her daughter, Althea, gave birth to her precious grandson, Ezrah Beauparlant, lovingly nicknamed “Beansprout.”

Elizabeth found joy in her work at Cedar Creek Convenience Store in Olmsted, Illinois, where she formed close bonds with her coworkers and customers. She embraced them as her work family, and they embraced her in return.

Throughout her life, Elizabeth battled depression and mental health challenges, which began in her early childhood. Despite the love and support of her family, friends, and her devoted husband, Elizabeth ultimately found the weight of life too difficult to bear. She is now at peace with her Lord.

Elizabeth leaves behind her husband, Morgan Laird; her daughter, Althea Wing (Rickie Beauparlant); her beloved grandson, Ezrah; her sisters, Lealoni Ward, Donna Stanfield, Emily Poginy, and Abbie Russell; her brothers, Jake Dufresne and Ricky Russell; her parents of the heart, Rick and Debbie Russell; her best friend, April Kelly; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at VFW Post 798, located at 141 Central Street, Newport, VT, on September 28, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM.

Final Arrangements Lovingly Entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.