DECEASED ALUM:  ELIZABETH IMBURG-PUGH, FHHS CLASS OF 1977

Elizabeth Imburg-Pugh Obituary

Elizabeth Imburg-Pugh passed away at home in Apex, North Carolina, on May 31, 2026, with her loving husband, Danny Pugh, at her bedside.

Born on August 31, 1959, in Washington, D.C., Elizabeth was the second child of Dr. Jerome Imburg, USN/MC (Ret.), and Lt. Cmdr. Julia Imburg, NNC (Ret.). Her birth marked the beginning of a life filled with adventure and service. As a Navy family, she accompanied her father to duty stations around the world, including Quantico Marine Corps Base, Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; NAS Jacksonville, Florida; USNH Chelsea, Massachusetts; USNH Guam; USNH Portsmouth, Virginia; and finally Alexandria, Virginia.

After graduating from Fort Hunt High School, Elizabeth attended the University of Virginia, where she earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in both French and Foreign Affairs. Her original goal was to become a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. However, she discovered that State Department security work was even more compelling and quickly distinguished herself in that field.

Elizabeth ultimately became the Regional Security Officer for the U.S. Embassy in Thailand, with responsibilities that extended throughout the region, including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Never one to shy away from a new challenge, she later attended Texas Woman's University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

As a registered nurse, Elizabeth served in the Veterans Administration hospital system, working in intensive care and coronary care units. Following her retirement from nursing, she returned to her security roots as a firearms instructor and training specialist. She trained civilians in the safe handling and use of firearms, and many credited her mentorship with helping guide their career paths. She also trained State Department personnel and Special Forces operators in interview and interrogation techniques, as well as protective security practices. Through her instruction, they learned what to expect when entering foreign countries on assignment and how to respond effectively during questioning at border crossings.

Elizabeth treasured the friendships she built in her neighborhood and greatly enjoyed the camaraderie she shared with friends. She was an active member of several book clubs and, unlike some members, she actually read the books.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Danny Pugh; her stepdaughter, Michelle Siebelink, her husband Tim, and their children Jacob, Caleb, Ashley, and Zach; her stepdaughter, Mary Lou Pugh , and her children Ashlee and Jessee; her brother, Brian Imburg, and his wife Melody; and their children Rachel Beverly and her husband Xavier, David and his wife Miri, and Hannah Imburg.

Elizabeth's life was marked by intelligence, courage, service, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives she touched.

A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Chesed Memorial Park at Richmond Beth-El Cemetery at Forest Lawn, 4000 Pilots Lane, Richmond, VA 23222.

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Published by The News & Observer from Jun. 3 to Jun. 4, 2026.