Elizabeth Beveridge Duff

Gloucester - Elizabeth Beveridge Duff, 54, who lived in and worked on Cape Ann, tragically took her own life in the early hours of Friday, May 15. Elizabeth was a "New Year's baby," born to Thomas L. Duff and Deborah B. Duff (Beveridge) in Manchester, Mass. Raised in Essex, Mass., she attended Pingree High School in South Hamilton before attending Oberlin College. She went on to get her master's degree in Environmental Education from Antioch University. While a student at Oberlin she spent a semester on a commune in Canada, protested nukes in the Netherlands, and had a love affair in London.
A person who loved nature, she spent much of her career creating programs for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, leading their Salt Marsh Science Project, and spearheading efforts to eradicate invasive plants in the Great Marsh. She loved inspiring future generations to find their voice as environmental advocates. She was particularly pleased when she worked at the schools where her nephew and nieces attended, leading salt marsh research in the Great Marsh on the North Shore. In 2011, she was presented with the "Educator of the Year "award from the Massachusetts Marine Educators for her work in educating students and teachers about preserving the local salt marshes.
She took pride in being the "fun" aunt who would introduce her young relations to the activities that their parents might neglect to expose them to-reckless sailing off Conomo Point, night swimming in the Lagoon on the Vineyard, raiding apple trees on North Haven island in Maine, or raising awareness about global warming in their community.
She also was a member of many other communities that added connection and richness to her life-co-counseling, vortex healing, the Unitarian Universalist churches in Salem, Beverly, and Essex, a craft circle in Beverly, the sea shanty singing group Three Sheets to the Wind, and many more. She loved reconnecting with extended family on North Haven Island in Maine, and maintaining relationships with friends made over the years on Martha's Vineyard. She was always ready for a game with her nieces and nephew and any opportunity to gather with family to celebrate a holiday or birthday.
She was passionate, loyal, and caring, with many life-long friends and adopted "sisters" with whom she remained close over the years. She is predeceased by her mother Deborah Beveridge of Magnolia, Mass., and Thomas L. Duff of Manchester-by-the Sea. She is survived by brother Thomas Duff; his wife Peggy; and their three grown children, Eliot, Lindsey, and Jenny of Essex; as well as John Duff, his wife Jocelyn, and their two children, Teaghan and Talia of Ipswich. She is also survived by her loving companion of over a decade, Alexander Thompson, and their two cats, Moonlight and Foo.
A virtual memorial service is being planned and details will be made available on Facebook and through the church communications.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rockport Garden Club Scholarship Fund in support of environmental education or the Felix Neck Fern & Feather Camp Scholarship Fund.
COVID-19 is creating many challenges. The Gloucester Health department has launched a free program to help the public in surrounding communities find mental health care. They can be reached M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 781-540-3329.
Facebook friends can post remembrances on her Facebook page @Liz Duff.