- 11 August, 2026
Edinburgh, Scotoland, August 11, 2026:The family, friends and church community of Scottish aid worker Elisabeth Ross have paid tribute to a woman remembered for her kindness, faith and lifelong commitment to helping others.
Ross, known as Lisa, was 38 when she was found dead in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens on 18 July, several days after she was reported missing. She had been volunteering with a refugee support organisation in Greece.
Her death has left her family and Christian community mourning a woman they describe as deeply compassionate and committed to serving people in need.
In a statement, Ross's family described her as “kind, principled and selfless”, saying she had dedicated her life to helping people in difficult circumstances.
“Her integrity was absolute,” the family said, while asking for time and privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
Ross had travelled to Greece on 26 June and had stayed with friends in the Keratsini area of Piraeus until 10 July. Police believe she died several days before her body was discovered.
A 26-year-old man has been accused of her murder, as well as robbery and weapons offences. He has been jailed until his trial.
For Ross's friends, her Christian faith was not simply something she spoke about, but something she sought to put into action.
Her friend Magali Tassone said Ross had a deep compassion for refugees and women experiencing abuse. She described her as someone who continually gave her time, resources and support to others.
Tassone said Ross grew up in a Christian environment and had “always wanted to live her faith”.
“She truly incarnated the love and passion of Jesus for people here,” she said, adding that Ross's love was demonstrated through her everyday actions.
Her life reflected a Christian understanding of service — seeing dignity in people who are vulnerable and offering practical help to those facing hardship.
Ross's church community in Edinburgh has also mourned her death.
Destiny Church described her as having an “unstoppable passion” for helping people who were less fortunate than herself. The church said this sense of calling sometimes took her to challenging places, but that she was determined to make a difference in the world.
Pastor Peter Anderson of City on a Hill church in Edinburgh and the Lothians also described Ross as a “precious” member of the congregation.
He said her life had been centred on mission and service, noting that she had travelled to many places and cared for people around the world.
Tassone recalled how Ross travelled frequently, visiting friends in different countries while supporting missionaries financially and helping those around her.
She said Ross could sometimes forget about herself because she devoted so much time to visiting, encouraging and supporting other people.
Ross's life was shaped by a willingness to go where she believed she could help. Her work with refugees in Greece was part of a wider commitment to people living through difficult circumstances.
As the investigation continues, Ross's family, friends and church communities are left to remember a life marked by faith, compassion and service.
Her story has prompted an outpouring of grief among those who knew her and those who shared her Christian commitment to helping others.
For her friends and church community, Ross's legacy is found not in the circumstances of her death, but in the way she lived — giving her time, energy and care to people in need.
Her loved ones now face the painful task of mourning a daughter, sister, friend and fellow Christian whose life was devoted to serving others.
As her church said in its tribute, the community's thoughts and prayers remain with her family as they grieve the loss of a woman remembered for her faith, compassion and desire to leave the world a better place.
Courtesy : BBC
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