Elizabeth J. Lott, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2024, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg, IL.
A beloved kindergarten teacher who introduced generations of children to the world of learning, Liz was devoted to her students, family, and community.
Born on March 18, 1948, in Galesburg to Elmer and Alice (Fraker) Wessels, Liz was the seventh of eight siblings. She graduated from Galesburg High School (1966) and proudly earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Western Illinois University (1970). Liz taught for almost fifty years, initially in Ohio and North Dakota before spending 30 years in the Galesburg School District. After retiring in 2009, she continued as a substitute for nearly a decade.
Teaching was her life, and she took pride in shaping the children of the community she loved. Liz believed every child wanted to and could learn, and her job as a teacher was to make that happen. Teaching was never just about covering subject matter or conveying facts; she did not teach math or reading— she taught students. Accomplishing this with kindergartners naturally involved doing things at their level, literally. Always energetic, she often engaged her students while crouching, kneeling, or sitting cross-legged on the floor. Known to her students as “Mrs. Little Bit,” she saw wonder in our world and eagerly shared it with her students, each of whom she affectionately called “George.” Helping with multisyllabic dinosaur names or making Ziplock bag-ice cream, she turned learning into an adventure for generations of children.
Generous and funny, hard-working and resilient, Liz championed the power of politeness—not just because she appreciated a good rule, but because she believed that kindness and good manners made life a little easier and a lot more pleasant for everyone. Elbows off the table, make your bed in the morning, and “please-and-thank you” were just the beginning of life well lived.
Liz was an avid reader who cherished a good story—whether sharing one with her sisters or friends over a cup of cream with a little coffee, enjoying a movie, or laughing along with The Golden Girls. She loved solving Sudoku puzzles, going to the boats, decorating her cozy home for every conceivable holiday, and keeping the neighborhood birds and squirrels well-nourished. Her handwriting was simply exquisite, and she never saw a teddy bear, bowl of spinach bisque, or Yorkshire terrier she didn’t immediately adore.
Liz was tremendously proud of her six grandchildren. She loved each fiercely and dearly, and took every opportunity to share and support their lives. She will be deeply missed by her three children, Brandon Lott of Peoria; Erin (Joshua) Pollack of Richmond, CA; and Kirsten Lott of Peoria; and grandchildren Miss Abbie, Miss Morgan, Mr. Aiden, Mr. Caleb, Miss Evan, and Miss Emery.
Also surviving are four siblings, Jack Wessels, Barb Quinsland, Margaret Wright, and Judy Durbin, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Thomas Wessels, and two sisters, Marilyn Howard and Ruth Carmitchel.
Memorials to celebrate Liz’s life may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or your favorite animal shelter. Or, please bring your favorite children’s book to either service for donation in her honor.
Visitation will be from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg, with a celebration of life following from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Galesburg Public Library.
To share a thought, memory, or condolence, please visit www.watsonthomas.com.
