Elisabeth Boo Risdon

Elisabeth Naess Risdon, age 94, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away on Friday, August 17, 2018 at Sunset Village in Sylvania, Ohio. Fondly known as Boo, she was born on June 1, 1924 in Ludlow, Vermont to Olaf and Marian (Stoddard) Naess. In addition to her parents, Boo is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Willard E. Risdon, Jr., her brother, Robert Naess and sister Hilma Purington. She is survived by her brother Johan (Suzanne) Naess; son, James Risdon; daughters Ann (Steve) Lamb and Becky (Brian) Williams; daughter-in-law Susan Verheyleweghen; 8 grandchildren, Rorey, Jessica, Liam, Becky, Brian, Jon, Seth and Molly; and 7 great-grandchildren: Anna, Brynner, Bronwyn, Ellie, Story, River, Wilder and new great-granddaughter to be born this December. Boo graduated from The University of Vermont majoring in music education and went on to teach music in her hometown high school. As a navy wife and later a corporate wife, Boo prided herself in helping move and remodel seventeen new homes over the years. Her 100-year old log home along the banks of the Shenandoah River was a family gathering spot filled with wonderful memories of holidays and “Huck Finn-like” summers for her grandchildren. Her Norwegian heritage led her to become a proficient genealogist, working in libraries and being a research source for people all over the country. She and her husband were a team who together created their own vineyard, traveled in their refurbished lobster boat, played bridge, golfed and flew their own airplane all over the United States. Boo passed her creative, hands-on talents to her children teaching them how to play musical instruments, cook, sew, paint and even hang wallpaper. She was the backbone of the family. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for her exceptional care throughout her years at Sunset Village. Friends and family will gather for a memorial service to celebrate Boo’s life at her hilltop gravesite in her hometown of Ludlow, Vermont at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.