Elizabeth E. H. Wilkinson

Elizabeth E. H. Wilkinson, age 90, of Ithaca, NY, passed away at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca on Saturday, March 5, 2022.

Born July 6, 1931in Old Buckenham, Norfolk, England, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Clara (Saunders) Cross.

Elizabeth spent some of the happiest days of her life as a child living at the Hall Farm in Tasburgh, running barefoot with her hair flying in the wind or performing chores on her family’s dairy farm; life was simpler then.  During WWII, life still followed a predictable pattern on the farm. Shortages abounded but her family made do and even took in families from London who were escaping the bombing.

Elizabeth went to college in England to become a teacher, teaching physical education at a private school.  At the same time she played sports and was on the National Reserve Team in lacrosse.

She eventually married and adopted a son then immigrated to the United States where she adopted a daughter.  After her marriage dissolved she struggled as a single mother, finding that her British teaching certification was not accepted in the States.  Always resilient and driven, Elizabeth enrolled in college and spent nights and weekends getting her Master’s degree in Special Education from SUNY Binghamton, in addition to working as a support teacher. She found her calling teaching special education at Belle Sherman and Henry St. John’s schools in Ithaca and later in Newfield, further continuing her education and obtaining her administrative certification from SUNY Binghamton.  She ended her career as the Director of Special Education for the Candor Central School District in Tioga County.

Elizabeth loved gardening and her four footed friends.  Over the years she had many dogs and a few cats.  She was also an artist painting in oils and drawing in pastels. She had a special love of landscape scenes. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Ithaca, where she sang in the choir.

Elizabeth is predeceased by her parents and her brother, David Cross of South Africa.

She is survived by her son, Alan Wilkinson and wife, Andrea and grandsons, Bryce and Colin of Groton, NY, and by her daughter, Elizabeth “Anne” and husband, Steve Wiersema and grandsons, Tate and Nolan of Oakland, CA, by her nephews Michael and John Cross and by her niece, Sarah Cross who all reside in England and by her terrier Suzie who seems lost without her.

She is remembered fondly by numerous coworkers, friends and neighbors, including a special Friday night get together group she so enjoyed on Pearsall Place.

Services will be held at The First Baptist Church in Dewitt Park in Ithaca, NY on Saturday March 26th at 2pm.  Bangs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.bangsfuneralhome.com