Elizabeth Leach Welch

July 18, 1944 – October 30, 2024

Elizabeth Leach Welch, of Marshfield Hills, MA, passed away peacefully at her family home on October 30, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on July 18, 1944, in Kokomo, Indiana, to William Fullerton Leach and Barbara Adelaide Leach (née Young), Elizabeth led an adventurous life full of professional achievement, community service, and meaningful connections with her family and friends.

A graduate of Connecticut College, Class of 1966, Elizabeth began her career as an editorial assistant at the Boston Herald. Her adventurous spirit took her from Boston to Hawaii, where she briefly worked as radio DJ, turning a local station into a top hits station while the owner was away. In 1970, Elizabeth moved to Sydney, Australia. Where she pursued a job with the Department of Commerce. Though the job didn't materialize, she met her future husband, Thomas Francis Welch Jr., who famously called to inform her of the job rejection but asked her out to dinner instead.

After marrying in Marshfield Hills in 1971, the couple briefly returned to Sydney before settling in Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., where they raised their three children. During her time in Washington, Elizabeth worked first in development for the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop creating community and outreach programs and organizing its first arts festival. She later took a job as the Public Affairs Director at Capitol Hill Hospital.

In 1986, Elizabeth and her family relocated to Annapolis, Maryland, where she co-founded Nelson Welch Partners, a consulting firm. She made a significant impact on the local arts scene by establishing Annapolis' first "First Night" New Year's Eve celebration. This festival grew into a major Mid-Atlantic performing arts event. Elizabeth's professional journey also included work as a development and marketing consultant for several organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academy of Sciences.

Elizabeth's love for her community never waned. After retiring to her family home in Marshfield Hills, Elizabeth continued her work in the arts and community, volunteering with North River Arts and Alice's House. She was a driving force in promoting local artists and fostering a vibrant arts community. Elizabeth was also a lifelong member of the Scituate Harbor Yacht Club. Her passion for sailing began in childhood racing 210s with her father in Scituate. Sailing was also a shared passion with her husband, a lifelong sailor himself. Together, they purchased their cherished Tartan 34, the Wild Duck. Over the next four decades, they spent countless weekends and summer vacations cruising with family and friends from Annapolis, MD to Boothbay, ME. Quissett and Hadley harbors became favorite destinations, where the joy of sailing passed down to her grandchildren – still aboard the Wild Duck.

Elizabeth's gift for friendship was one of her most enduring qualities. As an only child and true extrovert, she viewed her friends as extended family. Known for her legendary gatherings, Elizabeth had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Her home was often filled with lively conversation, laughter, and delicious food—whether it was an impromptu picnic or an elaborate sit-down dinner for twenty. She looked for any excuse to bring people together. When storms knocked out power, her home became "The Inn," where friends and neighbors would gather to enjoy warmth from the generator, a roaring fire, and her trademark good food.

Above all, Elizabeth cherished her role as "Grammy" to her five grandchildren. She loved baking with them, always keeping at least two types of homemade cookies on hand. Mud pies, coffee cakes, and special recipes filled her kitchen whenever her grandkids visited. She spent countless hours playing Scrabble, reading, and nurturing their love for the arts and the outdoors, creating traditions that will stay with the family for generations.

Elizabeth is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Francis Welch Jr.; her children, Katherine Welch, Michael Welch, and Mary Tuck Welch; her son-in-law, JT Straub; her daughter-in-law, Sarah Welch; and her grandchildren, Adelaide Straub, Matthew Straub, Connor Straub, Samuel Sargent Welch, and Miles Welch.

A service in celebration of Elizabeth's life will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, at 2:00 PM at North Community Church, 72 Old Main Street, Marshfield Hills, MA 02051. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Community Church to enhance and maintain the memorial garden.

North Community Church
72 Old Main Street, Marshfield Hills MA 02051