Elizabeth Antonia Raposa was born June 16, 1956 in Providence, Rhode Island to Frank (d. 2026) and Angelina Raposa (d. 2015). Oldest to three brothers - Joseph, Thomas (d. 1986) and James - Elizabeth grew into a fiercely independent and assertive young woman, often looking out for her brothers with the instinctive, protective care of an eldest daughter. A member of high school arts and music programs, Elizabeth’s creative heart developed and grew into lifelong passions for sewing, gardening, baking and cooking authentic Italian and Azorean foods. Elizabeth credited her talents and love for cooking to her grandmother, Maddelena Anessi. In addition to these creative talents, Elizabeth was an avid reader. Over the years her book collection grew and she proudly proclaimed it an official library at the 1,000 book mark.

After spending many years homesteading in New Hampshire with her former husband - Richard Kangas - and five children - Jonathon, Tonya, Larissa, Abram and Silvana - Elizabeth moved to Vermont where she began a doula services business, Selene. A decade later, Elizabeth transitioned to a role at Windham Childcare Services where she worked steadily to earn the position of Executive Director. As a lifelong learner, Elizabeth also obtained a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management with a thesis in Confronting Food Insecurity through Seed Saving in the Navajo Nation. As part of her studies, Elizabeth spent time in the Western United States supporting and assisting Native Americans in their homes.

Seed Saving and Food Insecurity themes drove Elizabeth’s passion for master gardening and sustainable living, becoming involved in community coops and working at United Way of Windham County as the Director of Resources. Elizabeth’s home garden yielded plentiful resources that she enjoyed sharing with her kids and grandkids.

Elizabeth’s grandkids—Caelyn, Jaxon, Owen, Charlotte, Olivia, Benjamin and Miles—were constant sources of joy in her life. She devoted countless hours to her grandchildren, sharing joy, wisdom and experience.Elizabeth cared for her family, near and far, with a generous heart. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Elizabeth cherished connections with her sisters‑in‑law, Diane and Claudia, and with her children’s spouses, Chris and Sarah. Family was important to Elizabeth and guided her travels to Italy, coastal New England, Wales, the Azores Islands, and across the country to visit her brothers.

Though raised Catholic, Elizabeth followed the Wiccan spiritual rhythms. While she returned to Catholic traditions in the final months of her life, Elizabeth passed into the heavenly world on the morning of the Summer Solstice, when the veil between the two worlds is thin, marrying her spiritual and religious beliefs during her final transition.

Elizabeth will be remembered for her generous spirit, her unwavering love for her family, her gift for savoring life’s simple moments, and the strong, steady presence she offered to those around her. Her family will honor her in private, with a celebration of life planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Vermont. Elizabeth enjoyed receiving CSA shares from local farms, Wild Carrot Farm and Walker Farm. A donation to NOFA will support their scholarship fund to help make CSA shares affordable and accessible to all. Please follow this link: Donate Now | NOFA Vermont to make a tax-deductible donation (make sure to select ‘Farmshare’ in the Campaign Field and write either ‘Wild Carrot Farm’or ‘Walker Farm’ to ensure your donation is allocated to one of the two Brattleboro local farms).

To view Elizabeth's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.