Elizabeth Whipps
Born: c. 1952
Died: August 14, 2021
Children: Rick Whipps
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, August 18, 2021
Elizabeth ‘Bou’ Vivien Whipps
Known to her friends as Liz or Bou, Elizabeth Whipps passed away at Albany Medical Center Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
After growing up in the Bronx, Liz relocated to Saranac Lake when she was 19 years old with her young son Rick Whipps, joining her mother “Piggy” Whipps. They were soon joined by her uncle, “Buddy” Jackson. She studied at North Country Community College.
Over the years, Liz performed many roles, but is possibly best remembered for the years she worked at the Adirondack Medical Center, both in the oncology department and as a beautician cutting the hair of patients, giving them dignity and a sense of reclaimed self through her gracious manner. She had a salon of her own for some time as well. In more recent years, she bartended at the Rusty Nail, where she brought Open Mic Night to the community. Her pride was in performance, bringing joy to many as a singer. She performed in plays, was recorded on several albums, sang in commercials, and gave music performances for various concerts throughout the years. She loved music, dogs and people. She was a second mom to many over the years and always had an ear to lend and advice to give from her kitchen table.
Liz was predeceased by her mother, Elizabeth “Piggy” Whipps; father, Albert Whipps; brother, Butch Whipps; uncle, Buddy Jackson; uncle George and aunt Phyllis Jackson. She is survived by her loving son, Rick Whipps, and his partner Danielle Tarullo, and her devoted partner of 37 years, Rick Sica. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Liz Whipps can be made at [[1]]. Instead of funerary services, a celebration of life party will be planned at a future date. Listen to Marvin Gaye and be kind to one another to make Liz proud.
A front-page article in the Enterprise on August 18, 2021, was headlined "Local musician remembered for her voice, friendship: Friends share memories of Liz Whipps, staple of the Saranac Lake music scene, who died Saturday."