Elizabeth, or Ellie as everyone knew her, was born to Stephen and Basiliki Papadopoulos on May 7, 1954 the youngest of five sisters. She grew up in Michigan where she earned her Bachelor's degree from Kalamazoo University, and later moved to California where she met her husband, Daniel. She settled in Flagstaff with her family 21 years ago.

Ellie worked in the Flagstaff Unified School District at Cromer Elementary School, the District's Prevention office, Coconino High School, and with several District programs. She touched the lives of students, parents, and staff alike with her kindness and willingness to go "above and beyond" for them. She was an incredibly caring and a generous wife, mother, friend and coworker.