Elizabeth Louise Russell

It is with love that we remember Elizabeth Louise Russell, who passed on September 8th, 2025 at the age of 61.

Elizabeth Louise Calcagno (or “Liz”, as everyone knew her) was born in Portland, Oregon, on March 24th, 1964, to parents Bette and Ed Calcagno. She enjoyed her childhood in Milwaukie surrounded by loving family and her Pembroke Ct neighbors, a neighborhood that established unbreakable bonds with life-long friendships. She proudly graduated from La Salle High School in 1982.

Liz held many jobs in her life that she spoke about with fondness, but few were as important to her as her 30+ years with Schwabe, Williamson, and Wyatt. Schwabe was like a second home to Liz, where she spent the majority of her time as an accounting manager. She was a helper, a problem solver, and a fierce ally of the firm. She retired from Schwabe in 2024.

In her free time, there was no greater joy to Liz than cooking, and many of her years were spent happily preparing extravagant, delicious meals for her family and friends. In another life, she could’ve happily been a chef, but those that knew her well got to enjoy the products of her passion for good food (ravioli or jam anyone?) all the same. She was especially fond of Hawaii, and spent many a summer on Maui, soaking in the sun and enjoying the beautiful island scenery. Liz was also a proud, involved mother, as well as a lover of skiing, softball, gardening, horseback riding, and more.

She is survived by her children, Amanda (Leo) Leotta, Doug Thompson, and Eric Thompson; grandchildren, Hunter, Lucas, and Aubree; brothers, John (Irma) Calcagno, and Jeff (Eva) Calcagno; sister, Jan Creighton; many nephews, nieces, cousins, and great friends from all parts of her life. 

She was a strong, independent woman who will be greatly missed by all.

A Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m., Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Stehn Family Chapels Milwaukie Tribute Center, Milwaukie, Oregon.