Elizabeth Russell

Elizabeth "Liz" Russell, President of Eastern Maine Community College, passed away peacefully at her Bangor home following an extended illness on September 21, 2025.

She was born in Lincoln, Maine, August 4, 1960, the daughter of Cedric and Barbara Russell, who shaped her devotion to family and strong ethical beliefs that she lived by both personally and professionally throughout her lifetime.

She graduated from Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln in 1978, where she was named female athlete of the year. She earned both her Bachelor and Master's degrees from Husson University where she was a proud member of Kappa Lambda sorority. When she received her undergraduate degree she was named the Outstanding Female Student in the Class of 1982. She was inducted into the Husson Alumni Hall of Fame in 2025.

Continuing her lifelong love of learning, Liz was also a graduate of the Bangor Region Leadership Institute and the National Education Emerging Leader Academy. She was an active member of her community, most recently serving on the board of directors at Northern Light Health, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Good Samaritan Agency, and the Greater Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed serving on accreditation teams for the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Before starting her career at Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC), she was a teacher and coach at both Deer Isle and Leavitt Area high schools. One of Liz's favorite memories of her time at Deer Isle was the road trips to Vinalhaven and North Haven, where the basketball team would travel by lobster boat and then sleep on the gym floor to allow the team to play back-to-back games. While at Leavitt Area High School, she led the softball team to the state championship game, where they lost in a heartbreaker 1-0.

During her 30-year career at EMCC she served as Director of Admissions, Dean of Enrollment Management, Dean of Student Success, Vice President of Academics and became President in 2022. She developed many close relationships with colleagues who became her friends. She was devoted to the EMCC community, providing many different types of learning opportunities with the end goal for all to be the best version of themselves.

Her life changed completely in 1990 when she met the love of her life Julie Green. They married in 2013, and their life together was her greatest joy. Julie and Liz were always busy, spending time with family and friends who they loved deeply. They enjoyed watching a baseball game together no matter the teams. They traveled extensively, and Liz was always looking at new places through her camera lens.

She enjoyed genealogy, fantasy baseball, a round of golf, and a good game of cards and conversation with friends. She could talk with a student or a United States Senator with equal grace and ease. She was always singing a tune from a favorite artist, Broadway show, or one that she created on the spot.

Liz always had a positive outlook, a fighting drive, and a beautiful smile.

In addition to her wife Julie, Liz is survived by her dear sister Jennifer Fogel and her Green family in-laws: Tom Green (Julie), Bill Green (Pam), Marcia Green (James Sklarz) and Brooke Green. Liz had many nieces and nephews: Barbara Bassler (Dan), Shawn St. Peter (Alyssa), Jessica Angelo (Steve), Kathryn Fogel (Sean Mattio), Elizabeth Green (Sam Hensley) Mary DeAngelis (Danny), James Green (Stacy), Joseph Doyle (Sarah), Kathryn Pellerin (Alex), Samuel Green (Sarah), and Emily Cashman (Andy). She also had great-nieces and nephews: Quinn St. Peter, Ada Angelo, Pia Mattio, Jimmy Green, Liam Musselman, Jackson Cashman, William Cashman, Lucille Green, Cecelia Green, Jamie Pellerin, Lexie Pellerin, Aubrey Doyle, and her beloved namesake Serafina Elizabeth Bassler.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday Oct 2, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a celebration of Liz's life will be held on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Liz's family invites all to share refreshments and memories at the Family Reception Center, 163 Center St. following the service.

Those who wish to donate in Liz's memory may contribute online to EMCC at Donation Link; or by mail: Eastern Maine Community College 354 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401.

To join the service remotely, please visit the Livestream Page.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com