Elizabeth “Liz” Francis Russotti, a beloved mother, wife, sister, grandmother, artist, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026 in Fairport, New York. Diagnosed with glioblastoma on December 25, 2025, Liz faced the last six months of her life with courage, strength, and grace. Born on April 1, 1949, in Rochester, New York to Francis and Louis Russotti, Liz lived a life filled with creativity, learning, friendship, movement, and deep devotion to the people she loved.
In Loving Memory of Elizabeth “Liz” Francis Russotti
She is survived by her loving spouse, Mick Brady, with whom she shared 35 years of life and 24 years of marriage. She was a devoted mother to Frank DiPane (Jen Fitch), Darcy DiPane (Micah Sherman), and Amy DiPane-Cady (Stephen Cady), and a loving stepmother to Nell (Eric) Brady and Claire Brady. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Maya, Charlie, Malayna, and Damon, and step-grandmother to Moses and Simone. Liz is also survived by her sisters Patricia Russotti and Maryann (Dave) Spychalski, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Francis Udice Russotti and Louis Russotti, and by her sister, Jeanne Russotti Raimondi.
After raising her family, Liz returned to school and earned her master’s degree in art, a reflection of her lifelong curiosity, discipline, and creative spirit. She went on to become a college professor at Monroe Community College and later retired from Santa Barbara City College in California. She was deeply loved by her students and colleagues and served as chair of her department. As a teacher, mentor, and artist, Liz encouraged others to see the world with more openness, imagination, and courage.
An accomplished artist, Liz found joy in making, learning, and sharing. In recent years, she took up weaving, spinning, and felting, bringing the same patience and artistry to fiber work that she brought to every part of her life. She also found happiness in movement and community—as an avid pickleball player, a member of her walking group, and an enthusiastic participant in a book club.
Above all, Liz held her family together. She had a rare gift for making people feel heard, loved, and welcomed exactly as they were. Her home, her conversations, and her presence offered comfort and belonging. She met people with curiosity and kindness, listened deeply, and made room for others to be themselves.
Liz’s life was marked by creativity, resilience, generosity, humor, and an openness to new experiences. She approached life as both an artist and a teacher, always noticing beauty, asking thoughtful questions, encouraging growth, and helping others see possibilities in themselves and the world around them. She will be remembered for the way she built community around her, the beauty she created with her hands and heart, and the steady love she gave so freely.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Liz’s life will be held at The Yorkshire Inn, 1135 State Route 96, Phelps, NY 14532, on Saturday October 3, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the beautiful life Liz lived.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to The Glioblastoma Foundation – https:// glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate/
5 responses to “Russotti, Elizabeth F.”
Whomever wrote this is to be commended. My guess is that it was worked on by all of her loving children who knew her and benefited from her authentic love, evolving creativity, devotion to both family and friends, and always her generosity.
I will miss my friend of over 50 years. No one can fill that hole in my heart. Good friends like Liz are rare indeed.
But Darcy and Amy made it possible for me to visit her and tell her how much I loved her. I will never forget that.
Liz was the best of us at Santa Barbara City College. She was part of the hiring committee that hired me back in 1999 to be Chair of Photography within a unique arrangement of two conjoined departments – Graphic Design and Photography. We worked together long hours, year after year, to build both our programs. A truer friend I have not found and most likely never will. Even if she didn’t agree with you she always honored your voice. I learned so much from her, how to be a better teacher, a better friend, a confidant and a better competitor in Pickleball! I will miss her for the rest of my days and was fortunate to visit several times after her diagnosis. The grace of her family members opened their homes and it never felt overly sad, truly, just an opportunity to pay back the love and caring she gave to all of us.
There are no words to express my sadness fairly and deeply enough about your amazing Mom. Such a gifted artist, teacher, and role model. Such a true inspiration and friend. My deepest condolences, Amy, to you and the entire family and to all who knew and loved her.
I did not know Liz, but I have had the privilege of knowing her daughter, Amy, whom I am certain is a brilliant reflection of Liz: warm, kind, compassionate and lovely. Liz was diagnosed with glioblastoma shortly after I was. This is a devastating disease, and to say it must be handled with grace and a sense of humor is an understatement. Her children rallied around and cared for her, which just highlights the impact this woman had on so many lives.
May the warm memories and beauty of her existence stay with her friends and family for a lifetime. May peace be with you, and may you continue to feel the warmth of her spirit for the rest of your days.
Amy & family
I am so sorry about your mom. She was absolutely beautiful although I never had the pleasure of meeting her my sister Kristen told me what an amazing mom and how wonderful she was. In her younger photo I can see Amy’s beautiful face. My thoughts & prayers are with your family.
Love Kelly