Elizabeth “Beth” (Lizzy) Paris, 75, of Newport Rhode Island, passed away after a brief illness on October 27, 2026, at Newport Hospital. Born on January 25, 1951, in Newport, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of the late Bernard T. McKenna and Mary Margaret McKenna of Newport.
Beth attended St. Catherine’s Academy and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Norwich University.
After high school, Beth moved to New York City, where she attended the Barbizon School of Modeling. Throughout her life, she lived in Newport, Connecticut, and Colorado before starting her family in Vancouver, Washington. She traveled extensively throughout Europe, often staying for several months at a time, before returning to Middletown in the late 1980s.
During the Bosnian War, Beth spearheaded fundraising efforts to provide much-needed medical supplies and food to those on the front lines. Her commitment went far beyond raising funds; on numerous occasions, she traveled with the deliveries to help ensure that these vital supplies reached the people who needed them most. Through her courage, compassion, and dedication, Beth made a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by the war.
Beth was deeply religious, and her faith led her on several pilgrimages to Medjugorje, a place of great spiritual significance to her.
Beth is survived by her sons, Andrew H. Paris and his wife, Kristina, and Daniel B. Paris and his wife, Heather; and her grandson, Lochiel. She also leaves her brother, Bernard T “Tommy” McKenna Jr, and his wife, Fiona, of Manchester, New Hampshire; her sisters, Joan Donohue of Newport and Marianne Calcagno and her husband, Paul, also of Newport; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday October 26th from 1pm-3pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI. A prayer service will immediately follow in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Beth’s memory can be made to:
Lucy’s Hearth – https://www.lucyshearth.org/ways-to-give/
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Community Center – https://mlkccenter.org/support-us/
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