Obituary of Elizabeth Marie (Razis) Empey

Winthrop - Elizabeth M. (Razis) Empey, 60, passed away peacefully at home under the loving care of her daughters and Hospice on Saturday, September 01, 2012. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Elizabeth was born in Potsdam on September 22, 1951, daughter of the late Edward and Brigida (Maniero) Razis. She graduated from Parishville -Hopkinton Central School in 1970 and married Frank Empey Jr. after graduation. Mr. Empey died on July 11, 1994. She married James Williams in October 2005. For 20 years, she operated Cleaning by Liz in Virginia and was co-owner of Williams Service Center in North Carolina from 2006-2012. Elizabeth loved children and was a foster parent from 1993 - 2004 in Virginia. In 1996, she was awarded the title of "Foster Parent of the Year." Elizabeth is survived by her daughters: Carmella and her husband Oliver LaPradd of Winthrop and Monique Davenport-Kessler of Stafford, VA; her brother and sister in law, Alex and Linda Razis of Winthrop; sisters Eve Razis and her husband Philip Thorpe of Rochester and Theresa Razis-West and her husband Craig Naramore of Lawrenceville: grandchildren; Edward, Daniel, and McKala-Carin Briel, and Carlena Wright; aunts, uncles and cousins in the USA and Italy. Always close to her heart was the memory of her parents, her daughter, Carinadina Empey and lifelong partner, Phillip J. Victor, who predeceased her. Visitation will be held at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Elizabeth's celebration of life and Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday at 10 am at St. Lawrence Church in North Lawrence. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Massena. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Elizabeth's honor to: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central NY, 5005 Campuswood Drive, East Syracuse, NY 13057. Memories and condolences can be shared with Liz's family at www.hammillfh.com.