Elisabeth “Liz” Abrams, RN, 89, of Colchester, passed away peacefully at home, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, surrounded by her daughters.  Born in Malden, MA on June 24,1936, she was the daughter of Rolph and Rose (Kirschner) Ruben. She married the love of her life, William Abrams, on Sept. 1, 1956. The couple shared 67 years of a God-centered marriage, full of love, laughter and joy with their family, before he was promoted to Heaven on May 28, 2022.  

Liz earned her RN from the 2nd graduating class of the accelerated Nursing Program at Mohegan Community College, Norwich, at age 40 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from St. Joseph’s College in Maine. She worked over three decades in healthcare, including Backus Hospital and Lawrence and Memorial Hospitals as a nurse and case manager. Nursing was a passion that never left her.  

Liz was a nationally ranked Senior Athlete, winning numerous gold medals in the National Senior Games and placing 7th in the nation in table tennis in her age group.

She loved studying European history, especially WWII.  She loved helping others – always with grace - and made time for anyone who had a need or came to her to share their heart. Whenever you were with her, she made you feel important. She was a joyous person who loved to laugh.

But her greatest passion was her Messianic faith and her family. She taught her family the importance of having a personal relationship with Yeshua, the Messiah. She taught her children by example the importance of love and respect for others. 

Liz and Bill served together in churches, youth groups, and co-founded Youth Encounter Inc. (YEI) and the New Life Singers. She was a Deacon and choir member at Grace Fellowship Church.

She will be greatly missed by her 3 daughters, Judy Abrams and Susan Abrams of Colchester, CT and Rachel Olson of Taftville, CT; grandchildren Becky (Tim) Chamberlain, Benjamin Abrams, Matthew (Christina) Smigiel, and Jordan (Mariah) Smigiel; and great grandchildren Eliza, TJ, Emily and Sayde.  She was predeceased by her husband, Bill Abrams, USN Ret., her parents, her brother Stephen Ruben, sister Lorelei Ruben and grandson Daniel Smigiel. The family is especially grateful for Liz’s wonderful medical team during the last 6 months while on Hartford Healthcare Hospice at Home including Heaven’s Hands caregivers, and the exemplary Hartford Healthcare Hospice at Home Team of doctors, nurses, aides and volunteers.  A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 11:30am at Grace Fellowship Church, 102 Providence-New London Turnpike (Rte. 184), N. Stonington, CT. (www.gracefellowshipefc.org).  The service will be livestreamed. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jews for Jesus (www.jewsforjesus.org), the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), planting a tree in Israel in her memory (www.shiva.com/trees) or a donation to a non-profit of your choice. The Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester, CT, has been entrusted with the care of arrangements.  For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.