Elizabeth Jean Fleming

Elizabeth Jean Fleming May 5, 1952 – March 19, 2026 Our Mom, a woman of deep complexity, yet wonderfully particular in her own ways, died quietly and bravely on March 19th, 2026. She lived in a way that could not be easily simplified. She found beauty in the small, often-overlooked things: just the right ruffly variegated coleus, smooth stones and driftwood, marbles, wool socks, doll houses, hemlock trees, a contented cat, or a happily overfed dog. These quiet joys grounded her. She was remarkably gifted. She was able to speed-read and type at lightning pace. Her creativity for making things included needlework, doll furniture, soap making, basket weaving, chair caning, brooms, photography, and quilting. Mom was stubborn. Technology often baffled her and left her cranky. She had a sharp wit with an even deeper, mischievous streak. She could cuss like a sailor despite her mild-mannered appearance and brought humor to life in unexpected ways. At least on one occasion, it was definitely she who put bubbles in the town fountains of Lancaster, New Hampshire, where she lived for many years. She was a keeper of our family’s stories. Her Christmas letters were definitely legendary. She made unforgivably bad macaroni and cheese that we’d eat only because we never wanted to hurt her feelings. Mom dedicated her professional life to serving others as a respected clinical social worker in Northern New Hampshire. She maintained a private practice, but also worked for the Vet Center, Easter Seals, and the community mental health center. Her work reflected her compassion, her commitment to helping people navigate life’s challenges, and her understanding of the dignity of every individual. We believe that it was her work that influenced her sense of social justice, and though never particularly political for most of her life, that changed in her later years, when she spoke often with conviction on new issues that became important to her (and, notably, her strong distaste for the color orange). She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jean Fleming. She is survived by her daughters, Trace Fleming-Trice (Perry) of Oxford, Alabama, Sarah Golden Boardman (Ben) of Acworth, Georgia, and Anastacia Paquette (Ronnie) of Lancaster, New Hampshire, and her beloved grandchildren: Kelton, Phin, Malcolm, Bee, and Henry; and her siblings, Cindy Hurst (Bob) of Denmark, South Carolina; William Fleming (Michelle) of Rochester, New Hampshire; and Alison Goss (Wayne) of Dover, New Hampshire; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mom found her greatest peace on Lake Winnipesaukee. In honor of that, a celebration of her life will be held at the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, on May 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM and a reception directly afterwards in the fellowship hall from 3:30-5:30. We ask those who attend to wear summer colors, as Mom would not have wanted somber attire. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Mom during her short illness, especially Kristina Langley of Comfort Keepers, Anniston Health and Rehab, RMC Oncology and Radiology, Alabama Virtual Care, Empativa Palliative Care, and Gentiva Hospice. We also want to thank our friends and family who went above and beyond to support us. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mom’s memory to the Franconia Children’s Center, the Talladega College Social Work Department, or the National Opossum Society. Mom was loved, and she loved in return. Every complicated, vibrant, and unforgettable part of her will be missed.

Tributes

Elizabeth Jean Fleming

May 12, 1952 - March 19, 2026