ELIZABETH JEAN FARNSWORTH, 54, residing in Amherst, MA, died at home unexpectedly on October 27^th, 2017. She was born in Boston, MA on December 8^th, 1962, and was predeceased by her parents, William B. and Jean G. Farnsworth.  She is survived by her brother Robert L. Farnsworth and her sister-in-law Georgia N. Nigro of Greene, ME; her nephews Nathan and Tobias Farnsworth; her aunt, Alys F. MacLeod of Bristol, RI; and her cousins Libby, Rory, Tucker, and Caroline.  Educated at Brown University (B.A. with honors 1984), The University of Vermont (M.S. Botany 1991), and Harvard University (PhD. Ecology 1997), Elizabeth conducted research projects in plant ecology all over the world in a vigorous and distinguished career spanning more than three decades. She dedicated her prolific scientific and artistic expertise to environmental education in a wide variety of settings, from university teaching to development of ecology education projects for children.  Elizabeth served as a scientific consultant to government agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency, and worked recently as the Research Ecologist and Director of Education at The New England Wild Flower Society in Framingham, MA. Her wide-ranging research was recognized and supported by numerous grant awards from such sources as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The American scientific community will miss Elizabeth’s energetic presence and distinguished accomplishments in the field of ecology. Her wide and devoted circle of friends in science and in the arts has lost an ardent, gifted musician and visual artist, and a witty, fervent, and loyal companion.  A memorial celebration of Elizabeth’s life is being planned for the near future. For further information on developments thus, check the Hitchcock Center website

http://www.hitchcockcenter.org/ .  The family suggests that donations in memory of Elizabeth be sent to New England Wild Flower Society http://newenglandwild.org, Hitchcock Center for the Environment http://www.hitchcockcenter.org/ , Amandla Chorus  http://amandlachorus.org , or any other conservation organization, group, or charity of the donor’s choice.