Elizabeth "Beth" Brassel

Elizabeth “Beth” Brassel, age 59, a resident of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. 

Born on October 21, 1963, in Montreal, P.Q. Canada, Beth was the daughter of the late Barbara (Lynch) Brassel and the late Roger Brassel.

Beth attended St. Michael’s College where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Beth continued her education and received a master’s degree from the University of Buffalo, in addition to a master’s degree in library science from Simmons College.

Beth worked for over 20 years as a youth librarian first at the Bedford Library, and then at the Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell. Beth’s work with the Pollard Library was much more than a job; she truly loved what she did for a living. She was devoted to the support and development of children and young adults in their personal growth. She initiated and promoted many programs at the Pollard Library to engage young adults in not only reading, but creative writing and a wide variety of other interests such as interactive fiction.

Growing up, Beth was a gifted downhill skier, swimmer and all-around athlete. She was incredibly graceful and coordinated both on skis and in the water. As an adult she discovered rowing and became an avid rower. She derived great joy not only from the sport of rowing but from the friendship and comradery of her teammates who were very dear to her. Beth was a voracious reader and enjoyed a wide range of genres from contemporary literature, biographies, fiction, classics, and mysteries. She was an outdoor enthusiast, fearless adventurer, as well as an activist.

More than the stories and anecdotes about Beth, Beth was an exceptionally generous, gentle and kind soul. She was singular in her capacity to give without any expectations. She was beloved by many. There are too few words to capture all that she did for, and meant to so many people. Along with her gentle and kind spirit, she had a wicked sense of humor which not only entertained and delighted those around her but carried her and her family through many difficult times.

She is pre-deceased by her older brother and best friend Tom, survived by her sister, Kate Brassel; her partner, Tatiana Schreiber; and her sister-in-law, Suzanne Brassel; as well as aunts, uncles, many cousins, and friends.

A private service will be held to Celebrate Beth’s Life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Cancer Center at Lowell General Hospital at https://www.lowellgeneral.org/about-us/ways-to-give.

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