Elizabeth Cushing is named in a 1922 history of the Pittsburgh Red Cross as a St. Francis nurse graduate, a member of the Pittsburgh Chapter, and was "in active service with the American Expeditionary Forces and in the United States" during World War I.

[Note: Would like to have documentary proof that the biographical information below pertains to the St. Francis graduate.]

Elizabeth "Bessie" Anne (also Ann) Cushing, born November 1896, was the daughter of Thomas B. and Anna B. Cushing of St. Petersburg, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. At the time of the 1910 Federal Census, Bessie was the oldest child, with younger siblings, Donald T., Harry P., Sarah K., and Mary B. By 1920, there were two more children, Max J., and Polly (Paulina).

In 1922, Elizabeth married Harry William Lawson, born in New York. By 1930, they had a son, Harry W., Jr., age 5. Her sisters, Mary and Sarah, were living with her in 1930.

Elizabeth's father, born in Pittsburgh, died in 1939. Her mother died in 1951. They are buried at St. Mary's Cemetery, Pittsburgh. Elizabeth's husband died November 1, 1968 and he is buried at Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh. Elizabeth may be the Elizabeth Lawson who died in 1970, and is buried at St. Mary's. Their son died January 17, 1973.