Elizabeth Speno Mt. Pleasant

Elizabeth “Liz” Speno Mt. Pleasant, of Jamesville, New York, died peacefully in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday July 8, 2025.

Liz was born in Ithaca, New York and grew up in Syracuse, attending the Convent School and Most Holy Rosary School. She was a graduate of Nazareth College in Rochester. An artist in her heart, and a formally trained art educator, Liz had a lifelong practice of painting and sketching; she taught after school art classes and served as a docent at the Everson Museum of Art, loved visiting museums, and had a great appreciation for fine crafts. Her love of the arts extended to music — with her husband Frank she enjoyed concerts at venues across the Syracuse region, and she spent several very happy years singing with the Oasis Chorus. Liz was known to break into song spontaneously, bringing smiles and joy to family and friends with her knack for picking the perfect show tune, hymn, or folk song to meet the moment. She was a property manager in the university neighborhood and took great pride in maintaining all of the homes she owned. Liz’s positive energy, athleticism, wit, and poise were defining features of her character, and she is remembered with love by family and friends in the Syracuse area, Ithaca, Durango, CO, and many other places where she traveled and lived with Frank.

Liz is predeceased by her Parents, Rose and Tom Speno, her Brothers, Tommy and Peter Speno. She is survived by the love her of life, Frank, devoted daughters, Alyssa Mt. Pleasant of Buffalo, NY, and Stephanie Mt. Pleasant Sorenson (Ryan Lyle Sorenson) of Durango, CO. Known to them as “Honey,” Liz is survived by her grandchildren Bode Otto Snitselaar, Jed Cosmo Snitselaar, Emmett Gordon Michael Sorenson, and Raelyn Jean Sorenson. With grateful hearts, and in celebration of her lyrical genius, Liz’s five brothers, six sisters and many self proclaimed, “15th Spenos” wish her Happy Trails. While not nearly as numerous as the Spenos, her Mt. Pleasant in-laws and extended family join in a rousing celebration of her life, and will miss her greatly.

Calling hours will be Friday, July 11 at Burns Garfield Funeral Home from 4pm-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at All Saints Church, 1340 Lancaster Ave, Syracuse, on Saturday,. July 12, 2025 at 11 am. Burial services will be private for the family at a later date.