Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Westgate Waring, age 83, passed away on September 6th, 2026. She was the wife of the late Sumner James Waring, Jr., sharing 45 years of marriage.
Born in Fall River, MA, she was the daughter of Atty. Ray C. Westgate and Muriel Barlow Westgate, the sister of David F. Westgate, the sister-in-law of Barbara and Robert Chamberlain and Sally and Thomas Buffinton all whom predeceased her.
Surviving are her beloved children, Sumner James (Jay) Waring III, his wife Kristin and Christine Elizabeth Waring, her granddaughters, Abigail, Elizabeth and Frances Waring, her sister-in-law, Sally Westgate and many nieces and nephews.
A professional photographer, Liz established Waring Portrait Art, located for many years at the historic Carr-Osborn House in Fall River. Specializing in photographic images of children and families, she also created official portraits of judges, clergy, and several mayors for the gallery at Fall River Government Center.
Clients’ portraits were often created in their favorite environments, and sometimes in a storytelling, painterly manner for large wall displays. With children, her style ranged from classic and elegant to whimsical. Her family benefited from her photographic talents, regularly documenting her growing children and grandchildren through the years in extensive album collections for each child. Her casual snapshot albums are overflowing. Friends were often recipients of unique photographic hand-made cards.
She authored and illustrated the book, Up with Aging, the art of growing older with zest. Seniors posed, illustrating positive ideas to embrace elder years with passion and vigor in the light-hearted black and white hand-colored images. Text supported the ideas to age well, including articles and quotes of well-known gerontology experts.
Focus on Photos was an illustrated lecture about the history and art of photography she created and presented to several organizations throughout the Northeast and New Smyrna Beach, FL.
In later life, retiring from studio responsibilities, she created mixed media paintings of pets. An annual dog parade organized with a friend annually benefitted the local humane society in Florida. Her large painterly images of young children, playing tennis, golfing and swimming are displayed at The Bay Club, Mattapoisett.
She was Past President of The Fall River Women’s Union, an organization founded in 1873 benefitting nonprofit agencies supporting women and children. Additionally, she was Past President of the following: UMass Dartmouth Carney Library Associates, the Junior League of Fall River and the Women’s Club of Fall River, as well as the former Vice President of Fall River Art Association. A former Trustee of the Durfee Alumni Scholarships, Bristol Community College Foundation, Adams House and Bay View, she was honored by the Fall River Chamber of Commerce with an Outstanding Citizen Award in 1990.
Liz participated with her husband in many of his extensive civic volunteerism endeavors as well as in his profession and his many years on the board of National Funeral Directors Association, culminating with his Presidency of NFDA and Vice President International Association which included extensive meetings and travel.
Using her artistic vision to create a warm, gracious home for family and friends, Liz was inspired by music of all forms, her collection of photographic art books, and the peaceful, harmonious beauty of nature.
For all of her professional accomplishments, her greatest joy and happiest times were with her family and close friends. Her creative talents and giving nature provided many special times and joyful memories that will live forever.
She graduated from BMC Durfee High School, Colby Junior College (now Colby Sawyer), Katherine Gibbs School in Boston, and UMass Dartmouth. A resident of New Smyrna Beach, FL, she spent many happy years in Swansea, Westport Harbor, and finally Mattapoisett, her summer childhood hometown.
Her Funeral will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:00 am in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Relatives and friends are invited. Flowers welcome or donations may be made to the Fall River Women’s Union, 101 Rock St. Fall River, MA, 02720 or to the Fall River Historical Society, 451 Rock St. Fall River, MA 02720. Burial in Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport. To view photos and online tributes, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com
