At our celebration of Elly’s life, I could see Elly in all of our eyes; & could hear Elly’s laughter & wonderful stories in all of ours! And — all the hugs that she always lovingly gave us, we then gave & received.

In midsummer 1967, I met Elly & Bill & family (2 brief meetings) to learn about their house & garden & gain the keys (for both “149” & “Labriska”). But, more importantly, in my first time “little get together” with coffee and cake/biscuits, I fully experienced what Elly meant when she later would often say:“family and friends” - there were 16 of us!  I thought I’d just be meeting with Elly, Bill and their children!!  Nope!!!  Elly was already linking me with a larger community.   Then, for the next 14 months, they left their home in my 24yr old hands!  Bill had a teaching sabbatical in Arhus, Denmark.  What an honor! What trust!  Within a week, I saw all of them all off from SF, by ship. Elly & I wrote throughout & before they returned I asked if it might rent their lower level. Elly replied: “Bill & I would love to have you as our neighbor!!”  Quintessential Elly!! 

We all renovated the apt. & I lived there until 1985. I rented “149” again to good friends (some having rented in ‘67). When Elly & Bill & family returned to Denmark for a 3rd time I “supervised” Alan & his friends as they lived independently for their first time. 

Elly & I loved gardening. I’m now honored to have all of Elly’s  succulents, I’m surrounded by her.; Elly was my “adopted” mom & my incredible role model, as was Bill.  Both encouraged & totally supported me in my educational pursuit.  Margaret gave me Miel a fur-kitty; and I shared my 104lb shep-lab Tybalt with them.  Elly shared her thoughts, ideas, numerous delicious dinners and, later, her poetry.  Elly “introduced” me to Muir & the Sierras—we already had backpacking, hiking, camping in common ..and, of course, plants, books & Bill’s Zin!  And friends!!!

Over our 55 years of friendship, Elly & I became fast friends  I miss Elly beyond words!! Elly will be in my heart - always!

Dear Bade' family,

Thanks to my sister Meg, I was able to catch part of the service via Zoom, which blessed me. Douglas was our dad, a cousin of your dad. I remember Bill visiting once while attending the U of M, studying horticulture. We went out to eat, and I remember the evening fairly well. Your mother sent a wedding gift for Stephanie and me back in 1995.  It was a special stainless steel bowl which has been our popcorn dish ever since.  My other family memory was when Alan visited back in the 60's or 70's.  Seems to me he had an interest in carving wood.  I may have one other gift from Ellie I may need to search for, I believe it was made out of wood. 

Thank you for including us and for a wonderful service.

Sincerely, 

James Bade  

Dear Bade family,

I was lucky to get to know Elly and the Bade family through Sarah while I was staying in Berkeley in 2012-2013. Elly was always so warm and welcoming when I'd meet her, and she kept me updated on the family long after I left with her Christmas newsletter. I really appreciated our correspondance and friendship. What a wonderful human being Elly was, a real force. Sending you my deepest condolences from Iceland and my mother Kolbrún sends her love xx

Elly was one of the most wonderful people I ever knew--a second mother during our many family trips in the 1960's, mother to our "California cousins", a fountain of stories, wisdom, and love. As we grew up and launched, she always remembered where we were and who our children were. She was one of my mom's best friends for over 60 years--co-directors of countless adventures.  Elly was the one who figured out how many calories our combined families of 15 (plus extraneous others) would require for 10 days in the wilderness.  On one backpacking trip we had 4 adults and 15 children!  She lived a remarkable life.  I'm sure she, Bill, Phil and Dot are toasting it with a good bottle of wine.  She will be sorely missed, and I'm so grateful that she was a formative part of my life.  

We love you, Elly.

From Marion Curtis Usselman