Elizabeth Welsh Abad

Our cherished and loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. Liz was born to Buff and Jack Welsh and grew up with her sister in Land Park where Liz continued to live most of her life, making lasting friendships along the way.

Liz was always up for an adventure and studied her junior year of college in Madrid, Spain where she met and fell in love with Jose Abad. Liz and Jose married in 1965, lived throughout the United States during Jose's medical training, then moved back to Sacramento where they raised their two daughters just blocks from where Liz was born.

Living close by her daughters, sons-in-law, and four grandsons was one of the greatest joys of Liz's life. She treasured our family's Sunday night dinners, holiday celebrations, and many trips together. Liz joyfully carried on her parents' gift of gathering, celebrating life, and traveling. And, together, Liz and Jose enjoyed opening their home and kitchen, creating delicious meals and memories during their 61-year marriage, with an annual tapas party being a family favorite!

Liz was also a lifelong learner, graduating from C.K. McClatchy High School and attending USC. She then earned her Master's in Spanish Literature through NYU and the University of Madrid, and taught Spanish at the High School and University levels. Later, Liz earned a Master's in Communications at CSUS and worked as Content Coordinator for KXPR's "The Electric Connection."

Working in Communications led Liz to her great love of photography, both for her own enjoyment and to share with others. For over 30 years, Liz's photography was included in exhibits at the California State Fair, the KVIE auction, the Crocker-Kingsley Art Exhibit, and the Viewpoint Art Gallery where she was a founding member.

Liz loved connecting with her Cozzens family group and kept close ties with Jose's family in Spain as well. She also enjoyed actively participating and making close friendships in her Ten Eyes photography group, book club, investment group, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, and the Mercy Center Auburn retreats.

We are so grateful for Liz's legacy of living life with love, joy, positivity, adventure, and a camera always in her hand. She is survived by her husband Jose; sister Polly McGilvray; daughters Beth Abad Duggan and Terri Abad Levenfeld; sons-in-law Kevin Duggan and Arturo Levenfeld; grandsons Gustavo and Diego Levenfeld and Kevin Jose and John Antonio Duggan; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends for whom she cared deeply.

Liz was laid to rest at Saint Joseph Cemetery following a private mass. A celebration of Liz's life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The John A. Schafer, MD, MS Achievement Center or Mercy Center Auburn c/o Mercy Foundation, 3400 Data Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 www.supportmercyfoundation.org, or The Viewpoint Gallery: https://www.viewpointphotoartcenter.org/contribute/.