Former Marblehead Schools superintendent Phil Devaux recalled that when Elizabeth “Libby” Moore worked at Veterans Middle School, she possessed a remarkable talent: “If she didn’t know the names of every kid in school, it was very close. You had to be really anonymous not to have Libby know your first and last name.”
Moore, who served 28 years in the Marblehead Public Schools and continued to shape the community through volunteerism well into retirement, died Dec. 29, after a five-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 79.
For the last 11 months of her life, her son, Adam Moore, said she resided at the Mariner in its memory care wing.
“She was cared for, she was stimulated. The staff were amazing,” he said. “I was there every single day, visiting her and being with her.”
‘One of the finest professionals’
Born Elizabeth Lynn Lemmon on Sept. 12, 1945, in Bexley, Ohio, her path to Marblehead began with a summer babysitting job on Martha’s Vineyard while she was attending Ohio State University. That experience convinced her to move to the East Coast at age 21. She went on to earn her master’s degree from Harvard University before dedicating her career to education in Marblehead, where many people told the Marblehead Current that she made a lasting impact on generations of students and residents.
“She was one of the finest professionals you could ever work with,” Devaux said. “She understood people, she understood right from wrong. She just did her job. You never worried about her decisions.”
Moore began as a guidance counselor at the Village School before becoming principal of Veterans Middle School, where she served for six years until her retirement in 2011. During her tenure, she helped transform the old high school building into what became Veterans Middle School, creating what colleagues described as a vibrant learning environment for grades 7-8.
“She was unmatched in her ability to accurately and skillfully communicate with students, teachers and parents,” said Lynne Breed, who worked with Moore during her time as guidance counselor. “Her calming presence coupled with her high level of education created a wonderful atmosphere for the entire school. She made a huge difference in the lives of so many children and gave them the encouragement and support they needed to make informed and appropriate decisions during very stressful events.”
Throughout her time as a counselor, Moore worked to bridge the gap between school and home.
“How all the parents loved her as a guidance counselor,” said Penny Blaisdell, who headed the Parent Teacher Association at Village School in the 1980s. “She embraced parent input and came to every PTA meeting I headed. She encouraged parents to talk about their careers so our kids could appreciate and even consider their future lives.”
Her leadership style combined strong administrative skills with deep personal investment in student success. One of her most significant contributions was creating the “Headers in History” program for eighth-graders, which later expanded into a community-wide initiative called Marblehead Spirit Day. The program brought together students, educators and community members to explore and celebrate local history.
“With those bright sparkling eyes, beautiful smile and calm professional demeanor you would do anything for her. She was a good listener and a lifelong learner,” said Christine Nuccio, who knew Moore for over 25 years.
‘A passionate supporter and friend’
After retiring from education in 2011, Moore deepened her community involvement, serving on the Marblehead Museum’s Board of Directors from 2012 onward and volunteering at MHTV’s award-winning show, “Up for Discussion.” She joined the Marblehead Garden Club, helped maintain the Lee Mansion Garden and continued to champion local history education.
“She was a passionate supporter and friend,” said Lauren McCormack, executive director of the Marblehead Museum. “She worked tirelessly alongside Don Doliber to bring Marblehead’s unique and important history to life every year for eighth-grade students … We will greatly miss her passion, vitality, optimism and joy.”
Town Moderator Jack Attridge worked with Moore on the Marblehead Museum board.
“Libby’s experience, tenacity and willingness to lead by example made every interest that she undertook better because of her involvement,” he said.
Her commitment to helping others extended into various aspects of community life. When a former student suffered a tragic accident in 2014, she established a fund at the National Grand Bank to support the family’s medical expenses, demonstrating her ongoing care for her former students and their families.
Larry Sands, who worked with Moore on various community projects, spoke to her unique ability to inspire others. “She was so enthusiastic and supportive that no one she engaged in a project wanted to be the one to let her down. Her focus was always on making everything she undertook educational, memorable and fun.”
A lasting legacy
She shared 46 years of marriage with her husband, Spencer Moore, who served as co-president of the Marblehead Counseling Center board. Together they raised three children: Jamie Walters, Adam Moore and Elizabeth Liu. She delighted in her role as grandmother to eight grandchildren, ranging in age from 7 months to 26 years old at the time of her passing.
“She was happiest when she was with her family and her grandchildren, sitting on the floor and playing with them,” Adam Moore said.
Her legacy lives on in the Elizabeth L. Moore Courtyard at Veterans Middle School, dedicated upon her retirement in 2011.
“Because of her breadth of involvement in Marblehead, Libby’s legacy will have many iterations. That by itself is a remarkable legacy,” Attridge reflected. “For me, her legacy will be as a role model for all ages through friendship, kindness and a wonderful community spirit.”
The family has requested that donations in Moore’s memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association to support research toward finding a cure.
