Elizabeth “Lizzy” Poole, 90, of Cudjoe Key, FL passed away on May 13, 2024, peacefully, under her loving daughter’s care.
Born on March 18, 1934, in Boston, Ma, Lizzy was the daughter of the late Charles Lester and Marjorie (Welch) Lester of Chestnut Hill, MA and Raymond, ME.
Lizzy attended Beaver Country Day and graduated Bridgton Academy in 1953. She went on to study at the University of Maine, University of New England (Westbrook Junior College), University of Hokkaido in Japan, and Maine Photographic Workshop.
In 1957, while working for the Maine House of Representatives in Augusta, ME she met her first husband, Emery Beane, Jr. and had two children Charles and Nancy Beane.
In 1979 Lizzy married her current husband Herbert S. Poole and split their time between York, ME and Cudjoe Key, FL, enjoying deep sea fishing, bicycling, swimming, organic gardening and gourmet cooking. Lizzy was known for her fish chowdah (a family favorite) and loved making fruit salad each morning for the local iguanas. She loved music and humor especially Dave Barry books.
While living in Maine, Lizzy’s professional roles included working as a journalist, photojournalist, poet, copywriter, elementary school teacher, women’s rights activist, secretary to the Maine Trade Commission and Commissioner of Agriculture, lobsterwoman, and fisherwoman.
Her writings and photographs are part of the Maine Women Writers Collection Archives at UNE in Biddeford, ME as well as the Stanley Museum, Kingfield, ME and the Owls Head Transportation Museum. She exhibited work in Yankee Magazine, various Maine publications and the Harlow Gallery, Hallowell, ME.
Throughout her life, Lizzy’s passion was being an activist for women’s rights, peace and the environment. She wrote and published her own feminist newspaper, Fish Rapper Digest (later called Radical Journey, Maine’s only feminist publication). She was the Chairwoman of Publication Committee for MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Assoc), served on the Boards of Directors of WILPF (Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom), the Maine Women’s Lobby on the Maine Governor’s Transportation Advisory Committee, and the Stanley Museum. She was a member of the League of Women Voters and NOW (National Organization for Women). Lizzy traveled to Cuba with ICAP (Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples) to promote peace and also helped to create York, Maine’s town recycling program.
She is survived by her adored husband, Herbert S. Poole of Cudjoe Key, FL, beloved daughter Nancy Beane Kolligian and husband Mark of Franklin, MA, granddaughter Bailey Kolligian and husband Shane Moorehead of Plainville, MA, grandson Max Kolligian and fiancé Haley Rudin of John’s Island, SC. She was predeceased by her son, Charles E. Beane of Camarillo, CA.
In her honor, please do some of the things she loved most: pet a dog, eat ice cream directly out of the carton, go swimming, grow vegetables, have a tequila sunrise, and spread peace and laughter wherever you go!
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to WILPF (Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom). https://www.wilpf.org/donations-and-support/
The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Poole family.
Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com