Photo: Elizabeth Ann “Liz” Sorrell

Elizabeth Ann “Liz” Sorrell, who was Belmont Public Schools’ Director of Science, Technology, and Health for nine years, died on May 29 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The Wellfleet resident was 69.

Born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1948, Sorrell dedicated her life to education and helping others having been an administrator and educator for 45 years. She was a science teacher, a science curriculum director, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, recently retiring as Superintendent of Carver Public Schools from 2006 to 2016.

Sorrell served as Belmont’s Director of Science, Technology, and Health from 1995 to 2004.

“I was fortunate to know Liz for almost 20 years, meeting her on my first day in Belmont as the Foreign Language Director in August 1997,” said Janice Darias, Belmont’s assistant superintendent. 

“I learned so much from Liz and have continued to benefit from her support and wisdom ever since. She helped me become the educator I am today, and as I’ve spent this past week speaking to those who knew her, they have echoed this sentiment over and over. Her legacy will live on in the many, many lives that she touched,” Darias said.

Throughout her life, Liz was an active volunteer in her local churches, and with Meals on Wheels, Hands Across America, and Habitat for Humanity. In recent years, she served on her town’s water board, as Board President of the HILL for Literacy and as Board President of Directors for Cape Cod Children’s Place.

She always lived life to the fullest spending time with friends and family, sewing, travelling and kayaking. She was also well known for her beautiful gardens, photography, and wonderful cooking. 

“Her legacy will live on in the many, many lives that she touched,” said Darias.

Sorrell graduated from Stetson University in Florida and earned a Master of Education and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership from Cambridge College.

Liz leaves behind two daughters, Liesel and Katherine Wilbers, her brother, Melville Carter Sorrell and her nephews, Carter and John.

A private service was held. A celebration of Liz’s life will be held at her home (now her daughter’s home) in Wellfleet on July 29, with a rain date of July 30.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Elizabeth A. Sorrell Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded to future Carver High School graduates. See more at www.sorrell4science.org. There will also be a memorial bench in Liz’s honor on the Cape. See more at www.capecodliz.com.

For online condolences, visit www.nickersonfunerals.com

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