Elizabeth Cagnacci (nee Fournier) passed away peacefully at her home in Belmont on March 6th, 2025. She is survived by her sister Toni Robinson, sons Edward and Dominic, daughter-in-law Annette, nephews Sean and Ian Robinson, and many dear friends.

Liz was born Elizabeth Anne Fournier on March 10th, 1933 in San Francisco, to Fred Fournier and his wife Annie (nee Hallinan). She had fond memories of her early years in San Francisco -- hearing the foghorns at night, taking the streetcar home from school, and spending time with extended family. When the family moved to San Mateo in the early 1940's, Liz enjoyed the rose garden and miniature railway at Central Park. Liz also often reminisced about her uncle, Vincent Hallinan, taking the entire family on an amazing trip to Hawaii in 1947, where she, her sister, and her cousins learned to surf.

However, her happiest childhood memory was becoming a big sister when Toni was born. Liz took her responsibility as an older sibling very seriously, and was a great big sister. On Saturdays the girls would often go to the movies together. Toni and Liz were not just sisters, but invariably, close friends.

Liz was always an excellent student, and she studied piano, and took up swimming at an early age. Always an exceptional swimmer, and gifted with the advantage of being six feet tall, Liz was approached by an Olympic coach, who inquired about her interest in training to qualify for the Olympic Team. She declined, but her beloved Uncle Vincent strongly believed she would have made it.

Liz attended St. Matthew School in San Mateo, before graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1951. She then studied at The College of Notre Dame in Belmont, where she majored in French, and earned a teaching credential.

During college she developed an interest in Renaissance painting and opera that would last throughout her life. After college, Liz spent a year teaching English in Belgium, and traveled widely (particularly in France) whenever the opportunity arose. She went on to earn a masters degree in French from San Francisco State University in 1969.

Upon returning to California, Liz taught French and English at Healdsburg High school for a year, before moving on to Mercy High School in Burlingame, and then Polytechnic High School in San Francisco. She then moved on to Lowell High School, where she remained until retirement.

She enjoyed her teaching career -- especially connecting with students. Four years ago, she received a letter from a former student who was in her class 40 years earlier. Liz was very touched by this correspondence, in which the gentleman (who now lives in Europe) thanked her for how much she influenced him, during his 3 years in her French class. He wrote that he always remembered Liz's lessons of embracing, and immersing oneself in, the culture whenever traveling (lessons he passes on to his own children). He closed with, "You helped me get here. I will always be grateful."

It was at Polytechnic where she met her future husband, Jim Cagnacci. Liz and Jim shared many interests: travel, opera, classical music, film, and literature, among them. They traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Central America, and South America together. The couple loved and appreciated each other to no end, and were delighted to welcome their sons into their lives (as well as many Welsh Corgis over the years). The way they celebrated holidays said everything about them: As their families were not local, they always invited friends who were not able to be with their relatives. After Jim died in 2006, Liz continued to show the impressive determination and strength that had marked her entire life.

Following her retirement, Liz's interest in art inspired her to take up painting and drawing, despite her doubts that she possessed any artistic aptitude. Liz surprised herself, and many others, developing a hidden talent, and becoming a good artist. She also studied Italian and Spanish, becoming proficient in both, while remaining fluent in French. In addition, she took Latin American history classes, and read numerous books on the subject.

In recent years, Liz began to have health problems. As she had for her entire life, she met her new challenges with a positive attitude, and remained happy and content, again illustrating her amazing inner strength. Liz very much appreciated and loved her amazing caretakers Lo Tongilava, Nane Tongilava, Laukau Pinekoula, Pauline Ahio, and Faye Fear. No matter what she was going through, she welcomed her visitors with her warm smile and bright eyes.

As a girl, Liz was the tallest student in her class, but she still stood up straight. As an adult, she always carried herself with grace and dignity. And as an elderly woman, she remained positive and content until the end. Indeed, Liz displayed strength, determination, discipline, and integrity throughout her entire life. Her sense of humor, laughter, kindness, and warmth will be deeply missed.