Lasting Memories

Elizabeth Savage Duncan
May 23, 1934-Jan. 20, 2025
Palo Alto, California

Elizabeth Anne Greenwood-Barton Savage Duncan, born May 23, 1934 in London, England, passed away peacefully from natural causes at Gordon Manor assisted living home in Redwood City on January 20, 2025 at the age of 90. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Savage of Palo Alto, her son, Benjamin Savage of San Francisco, her grandson, Cameron Cronwall of Palo Alto, and her brother, The Venerable John Barton of Canterbury, England. She was preceded in death by her son Bartholomew Savage in 2013.

Elizabeth grew up in London during World War II and immigrated to the United States in the early 1960's. She called Zimbabwe, Indiana, New Hampshire, Texas, Alabama and California "home" during her life. Elizabeth spent most of her American life in Alabama before retiring and moving to Palo Alto in 2003 to be close to her son, daughter and grandson.

While few had a stronger will than she, Elizabeth's charm, quick wit, enthusiasm and cheer gained her many friends and three children named for her. She was an accomplished and juried artist, producing paintings, pottery, knits and stained glass that many have enjoyed. A committed social justice and community activist, she served as the city gardening coordinator for Johnson Park and was hugely active in Amnesty International's Palo Alto chapter, hosting community event tables and talks to gain support for abolishing the death penalty. She was an integral member of several hiking groups including the “Walkie Talkies” and of her beloved book club. A longtime supporter of the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League, she often served as a judge at high school speech and debate tournaments.

Elizabeth spent her last few years in assisted living battling the travesty of Alzheimer's disease. She never forgot her children, who visited most days, when she would tell them "I love you, darling" in her adorable British accent. Two days before her passing she told her daughter Jennie, "I know you worry about me. You don't need to. I am OK. I am happy". True to form, she donated her remains to the Stanford University School of Medicine, where her body will be used to train the next generation of doctors. She is deeply missed.