Elizabeth Moselle Philbrick

NEWMARKET – Elizabeth M. Philbrick, formerly of Wentworth, NH, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of December 12, 2024 due to complications from heart disease.

Liz, as she was known to most, was born in Jersey City, NJ, to James N. Pope, Sr. and Rebecca W. (Oglesby) Pope on October 21, 1940. She grew up in Mountain Lakes, NJ, before the family relocated to their favorite vacation town, Thornton, NH, in 1955.

Elizabeth graduated from Plymouth High School (Class of 1958), where she met Leslie W. Philbrick (Class of 1961). She went on to earn a degree in English Literature from the University of New Hampshire (Class of 1962). Leslie “Les” Philbrick and Elizabeth married on January 14, 1966, while Les was enlisted in the Army. After a brief time in North Carolina, they returned to New Hampshire, eventually settling in South Wentworth, NH.

Throughout her life, Elizabeth held various jobs, though none as fulfilling as her role as a dedicated mother. At one point, she secured employment for herself and her children at The Longview Farm in Plymouth, where she worked hard and often shared the farm’s surplus with her church for distribution. She was a beloved fixture at the church’s annual campouts at Pinehaven Campground in Wentworth, where families from all over New England gathered for fun, fellowship, and a swim in the Philbricks’ neighbor’s pond. Liz’s warmth and generosity earned her the nickname "Mom P." from her children’s friends, who often regarded her as a second mother.

Over the years, the neighborhood changed. Liz and Les divorced in 1992, and as her children grew and moved out, Liz’s health began to decline. She eventually moved to The Pines of Newmarket Assisted Living after a temporary stay with her daughter and son-in-law.

Liz was predeceased by her parents, James and Rebecca Pope, her brothers James and Edward Pope, her ex-husband, Les Philbrick, and her youngest daughter, Mary. She is survived by her children: Becca (Lex) Buzzell, Marilyn (Eric) Flanders, Sue (Mark) Ober, and Thomas (Erin) Philbrick; her brother Robert “Ralph” (Marilyn) Pope; her eight grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and -nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Mayhew Funeral Home, 12 Langdon Street, Plymouth.

Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, please go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.