Elizabeth Poole

Elizabeth Anne Berry Poole lived to be just shy of 93 years young when she had her final bow on July 9th in Cedar Falls, IA. She made her grand debut on August 2nd, 1931 as one of seven children to Stanley and Cleo Berry in Edina, MO. On August 31st, 1952 she married Roger Poole and moved to Memphis, MO where they lived for twenty years. After raising their four children, she decided to go back to school. She graduated with a Bachelors of Education in 1970 and a Masters of Education in 1972 from Northeast Missouri State University. She began her career as a Special Needs Educator at the Diagnostic Clinic in Kirksville, MO. After moving to Cedar Falls, IA she was hired by the Area Education Agency and worked for 22 years as a consultant, retiring in 1996. For twenty plus years following her retirement, Liz carried on her life of service to others by volunteering at Sartori Hospital, Covenant Hospital, Cedar Falls Public library as a Traveling Tales reader, First Presbyterian Church, and co-chaired Hospitality for Sartori’s Festival of Trees. She was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for 12 years and supported dozens of foster children through their time in the foster care system. Liz considered herself a die-hard Democrat and worked tirelessly on local as well as state campaigns; on one such occasion, serving as Black Hawk County chair of Roxanne Conlin’s bid for governor. Liz was an active member of AAUW, Quota Club, and Community Concerts. She served as a Deacon and an Elder on the foundation at First Presbyterian Church. She was a self-proclaimed lifelong learner and loved traveling to countries rich in history. Some of her fondest travels include Paul’s Journey (Israel, Syria, Turkey, and Greece) and visiting the WWII battle sites in France to honor her 4 eldest brothers who served. She loved music, and sang well into her sunset years. She had a semi-lucrative career starting with funerals, to fairs, to Sunday Church services. She also sang to her beloved kitties, free of charge. She loved her liberal book group: always discussing the most recent political blunders, scandals, and, occasionally, the book itself. She loved hosting her annual, infamous Friday-Night-Sturgis-Falls-Long-Island-Iced-Tea-Party. Most of all, she loved her family. As well traveled as she was, her grandkids were always her world. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and six siblings. She is survived by her four children, Joel Poole (Terry) Columbia, MO., Jana Poole-Fairbanks (Mark) Waterloo, IA, Jamie Poole Brimmer Fresno, CA, Jay Kelly Poole (Cathy Ralston) Cedar Falls, IA,; and eleven grandchildren Zach Poole, Karly Poole, Marshall Abbe, Jordan Abbe, Wes Fairbanks, Madison Fairbanks, Jeremy Brimmer, Taylor Brimmer, Kiel Brimmer, Cole Buescher, and Sam Buescher; and thirteen great-grandchildren—with two on the way. Services and a celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Iowa on September 14, at 1:00. The family encourages any special memories to be shared. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo Community Playhouse or the Cedar Falls Community Theater. “Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth.” -Shirley Chrisholm

Elizabeth Poole

August 2, 1931 - July 9, 2024