Elizabeth M. Bardsley

In 1956, she married Bruce M. Bardsley. Together they raised three children: Thomas F. Bardsley, who predeceased her in 2007, Lisa M. Davison and John P. Bardsley of Cohasset, Massachusetts.

She was a proud grandmother to Kari Davison Gilbert of Hingham, Massachusetts, Rachel Davison Baldwin of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a loving great-grandmother to Sophie Marit and Henry Morgan Gilbert. She is survived by her son-in-law, Frederick W. Davison, husband of Lisa. Also, Jason Gilbert and William Baldwin, husbands of Kari and Rachel.

A lifelong learner with a strong interest in politics and world affairs, Liz returned to UMass Boston later in life to complete her undergraduate degree, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a focus on Central America. During her years at UMass, she had the opportunity to travel throughout Central America, including Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, experiences that greatly deepened her understanding of the world and reflected her curiosity about people, history and global affairs.

She was especially proud of her work at the Pine Street Inn in Boston, where she helped support efforts to feed and house the homeless and serve some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

She made several remarkable journeys throughout her life, traveling to Norway, Denmark and Portugal, among many other destinations. She visited Nicaragua while her son Tom was participating in an exchange program there, traveled to Germany with her daughter Lisa during Lisa’s own exchange experience, and cherished a memorable months-long, cross-country road trip with her son John.

One of the greatest highlights of her life was an unforgettable pilgrimage to Egypt with her husband Bruce, her sister Teddi, and her brother-in-law Skip Seaman. As a lifelong admirer of Egyptian history and culture, the journey fulfilled a deep personal passion and became one of her most treasured memories as a traveler and student of the world.

Liz also leaves many nieces and nephews and their children, who fondly remember their “Auntie Liz” and her joyful enthusiasm for adventure. Before taking family and family friends on one of her Adventure Days, she would excitedly ask, “Are you ready Adventurers?!?” To which the enthusiastic response would be “YES!”

Her sense of humor was one of her most endearing qualities. She delighted in telling favorite jokes such as “Spot the Dog” and “The Penguin,” though she could rarely make it to the punchline without laughing so hard that everyone else was already laughing.

Her golden years were spent in Pt. St. Lucie, Florida where she and Bruce enjoyed retirement near her sister, Teddi and her brother-in-law Skip Seaman. Following Bruce’s passing from cancer in 2012, after almost 56 years of marriage that focused on love and devotion to family, she returned to Massachusetts making her home at Allerton House in Weymouth. In her later years, she experienced a gradual decline in cognitive health. During her final 2 years, Liz was cared for by the staff in the memory care wing with compassion, dignity and kindness. She was a beloved resident who formed many meaningful friendships. Her family remains deeply grateful for the care and warmth she received there.

Liz will be remembered for her intelligence, humor, independence, artistic spirit, curiosity about the world, and her enduring love for her family. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.