The May 18 edition of The Mountain is dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Allison, diocesan historiographer and registrar from 1995 until her passing on May 18, 2019. Elizabeth was an avid reader of The Mountain (formerly The Mountain Echo) and maintained an archive dating back to the very first printing in January 1894. To follow is her obituary.
VERGENNES – Elizabeth E. Allison, 89, of Vergennes, VT died peacefully on May 18, 2019 at McClure Miller Respite House, following a short illness, with family and friends supporting her. Born June 4, 1929 in Waterloo, N.Y., Elizabeth was the eldest daughter of The Rev. W. Francis and Karllotta K. (Heyne) Allison.
She spent her formative years in Brandy Station and Washington, VA, graduating from high school in Belvidere, NJ, and then moved with the family to Montrose, PA in 1947.
She graduated from William Smith College in 1951 with a degree in History. She received her Masters Degree in History from Penn State University and a Masters Degree in Education at Columbia University. As the recipient of scholarships, she travelled extensively in Egypt and Israel. She also travelled to Norway and England and especially enjoyed historic riverboat travels on the Mississippi River and travelled extensively in the US as well.
She was a musician, serving as first chair clarinet in her high school band and a Student Conductor. She was also a member of the Earl Held All Girl Band
Elizabeth taught U.S. and world history at Penn Hall Junior College, Moravian Seminary School and then Centenary Junior College for Women in Hackettstown, NJ. She was a Library of Congress Certified Braillist, as well as a pioneer in the use of audio-visual media in teaching. Later, she served as a guidance counselor and taught drivers education at both Lamoille Valley Union High School and the Northlands Job Corp Center.
An avid stamp collector from childhood, she also enjoyed playing softball, and keeping up with technology, whether it was building tube based electronic equipment with her father early in life, or loading the latest version of software on her laptop computer. Photography was also a lifelong passion. She was an avid follower of Penn State football, the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Yankees. She enjoyed her many pets and served on the Board of Greyhound Rescue of Vermont.
Elizabeth was a Licensed Lay Minister and led the congregation in Wells, VT and also did outreach at the Washington Correctional Facility in Comstock, NY. She was a vestry member of the Episcopal churches in both Vergennes and Middlebury. She was an instructor in the Diocesan Study Program and a member of the Consecration Committee. She was a member of the National Episcopal Historian’s Association, serving as secretary. For more than two decades, she greatly enjoyed working at the Episcopal diocesan office as Historiographer & Registrar. She shared her knowledge of church history and protocol widely and was a foremost authority on Vermont glebe lands.
Elizabeth is survived by her sister Mary Margaret (Peg) Hamlin, nephew Richard F. Hamlin, P.E. and his wife Kathleen Laverty. She was so proud of and loved spending time with her grandnieces Allison and Ariel Hamlin. She is also survived by her cousins Constance Allison, Richard Allison, Elizabeth Walrath, and Richard Walrath. Elizabeth also leaves behind her two beloved felines Willie and Winnie. She is predeceased by her loving parents The Rev. W. Francis and Karllotta Allison, brother-in-law Donald L. Hamlin P.E.,LS, and nephew Geoffrey L. Hamlin.
We are very grateful for the caring staff at McClure Miller Respite House, Dr. Marie Wood and staff at UVM Medical Center for their care, and most especially her close friends who helped her in her journey.
The celebration of her life was held on Friday, June 7, 2019 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Middlebury, VT. Internment will take place Wednesday, June 19 in the Memorial Garden at St. James Episcopal Church, Essex Junction, VT.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Hwy, Colchester, VT 05446 or to an animal rescue program of your choice.
The Mountain Echo 2011 
The Mountain Echo 2004 
The Mountain Echo 1994 
The Mountain Echo 1894