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STERLING – Elizabeth Mary Wahl (McLeod), 60, of Sterling, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston.
She was born to Robert and Mary (Drew) Wahl on Oct. 2, 1950, in Sterling. Her education was obtained at Newman Central Catholic High School, Lynn University, formerly known as Marymount College, in Boca Raton, Fla., and St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa.
Philanthropy played a large role in her life. She routinely donated to many churches, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. She was instrumental in setting up a scholarship in the name of her parents at Newman Central Catholic High School to award academic achievement. It was her sincere belief that it was her duty to help those around her. Most notably, one of her contributions led to the discovery of a new way to detect and quantitate a deadly, yet common contaminant in cough syrup. This novel method has prevented the deaths of thousands, if not millions of lives in developing countries.
Elizabeth thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by flowers (non-allergenic, of course) and friends. She always had a quick wit and a zesty sense of humor. She was a dedicated and active mother, supporting her children in all facets of life from equestrian sports to academic endeavors. She enjoyed spending time with her pets, Ayki (Shih Tzu), Ted (Pekingese), and Bob (Brussels Griffon).
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Michael Patrick McLeod of Miami and Anne Wahl (Phil) Roberts of Sterling; her brothers, Leo (Cris) Wahl and David (Lorraine) Wahl, both of Sterling; and her granddaughter, Kenjilyn Roberts.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family is requesting that if donations wish to be made, please do so in the name of Elizabeth M. Wahl (McLeod) to Newman Central Catholic High School, St. Mary School, or the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MS-ICU) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave., fifth floor, Boston, MA 02116, 617-424-4300, https://giving.brighamandwomens.org/tributes.
A gathering of friends and family will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sterling. Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Paul Lipinski officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling.
Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home, Sterling. Visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.
Elizabeth enjoyed a simple life
Was a loving person