Elizabeth Frances Sewell

Elizabeth “Liz” Frances Sewell was born January 10, 1948, the eldest child of then Lieutenant Russell Sewell and Catherine Doris Geren Sewell in Patuxent River, Maryland.  Shortly after her birth, the family was moved to the US territory of Hawaii. “Betty Frank” as her father called her, returned to the continental U.S. at age four. The family moved to Arlington, Virginia, where Liz was eventually joined by brothers John and Joseph. 

The family moved to Portland, Oregon, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. Liz graduated from Our Lady of Sorrows grade school. She attended Franklin High School and graduated from Marycrest Academy, class of 1965. After high school graduation, Liz continued on to study at the brand new Portland Community College and at Portland State College.  She completed her degree from the University of Portland in 1994, joining the rest of the family as a true Portland Pilot.  

Ever the hard worker,  Liz took a job at Wizburger and was promoted to manager at age 17.  She eventually left Wizburger to manage Lideo’s on Burnside during the late 60’s and early 70’s. Liz left Lideo’s to take over management of the Woodstock Safeway’s snack bar. She then took on the challenge of teaching food service at Jefferson High School vocational training program.   Elizabeth became part owner/manager of the Great American Sandwich Company on Lombard Street in the St. John’s neighborhood.  Liz was the bookkeeper and manager for Major’s appliance on Woodstock and manager of Twin Cities Restaurant and Bakery for her good friend Fong Yee.  Elizabeth finally left the restaurant industry to work for Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles and Transportation as a  driver examiner.  All during this time she helped her mother manage and maintain her rental properties in Southeast Portland.  Finally, in 2000, Liz retired early from the DMV.

Liz was a passionate person, involved in many areas of Catholic Social Teaching.  She was active early on in the prolife movement, marching on Salem and at Lovejoy.  She was a big supporter of Mother and Child, supporting single mothers and their children.

Liz was active in her community.  She was one of the founding members of the OLS School Board, and was elected President. She served as President of the Queen of Roses (164) and was a member of Queen of the Universe (216) chapters of Young Ladies Institution, where she belonged for over 53 years. In addition, she was a member, and past President of the American Legion Auxiliary, post #146.

Elizabeth’s greatest joy was attending mass and she loved participating in the Sacred Liturgy as sacristan, lector or Eucharistic minister. During her adult life, Liz was active in St. Ignatius, Our Lady of Sorrows and Holy Family parishes.   During her final year and half of life Liz was welcomed into the Saint Henry’s parish family.

Liz loved being outdoors in nature. She enjoyed gardening, and watching “her” birds.   She was a talented artist who painted figurines and worked with stained glass.

From this author’s perspective, however, Liz’s greatest accomplishment was being a mom. 

Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Mary-Catherine Sewell (Milwaukie) brother John and sister in-law Elese (Hood River), brother Joseph (West Linn) and 4 nieces and a nephew.