Elizabeth E. Anderson, born on Dec. 12, 1920, wife of the late Junior H. Anderson, formerly of Needham and Newbury Vt., passed away on July 6, 2015 in Tucson Ariz. She was 94.

She was the inspirational mother of Junia Norris and husband Barry of Union, Maine; Katy Sahr and husband Dennis of Davenport, Fla., Connie Alexander and husband Mark of Vineyard Haven; and Molly Anderson and husband Rick Lloyd of Tucson, Ariz. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Elizabeth, known as Becky, was raised in Norwood by her loving parents, Rev. William and Elizabeth English, and attended LaSalle Junior College and Boston University, graduating with a B.A. in music. A classically trained pianist, she performed many concerts in Boston and shared her talents with the Congregational Church of Needham. Many will remember her as their piano teacher, a career she followed for more than 50 years.

Becky and her husband raised their family in Needham and after Junior’s passing in 1987 she followed the family dream to live on their property in Newbury, Vt. Becky gave back to her communities by volunteering on various town commissions and was the key advocate for the founding of the Ridge Hill Reservation in Needham. An avid birder and steward of nature, she was an environmentalist long before the word became commonplace. She never shied away from a challenge and remained fiercely independent into her nineties. Many will miss her wry wit and spritely smile.

Becky enjoyed the past two years living near her adoring daughter, Molly, in Tucson. Exploring the deserts and canyons of the southwest delighted her as she became acquainted with new flora and fauna. She often reflected on how blessed she was to have added that chapter to her life.

A funeral service will be held Monday, July 13, at 1:00 in the Story Chapel on the grounds of Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, with interment to follow. Arrangements handled by DeVito Funeral Home of Watertown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becky’s name to: Massachusetts Audubon Society, NPR Radio in Vermont or to Casa de La Luz Hospice in Tucson, Ariz.