To all of Elise’s family and friends I share my condolences.

I first met Elise when she was about 19 when she became my roommate. We shared an apartment together in Greenbrae for a year. She had a zesty personality and fun to live with. I had every intent on keeping our living arrangement platonic but after living with for three months she clearly had other ideas. We had a wonderful relationship for about a year.

We remained friends over the years and I checked in on her from time to time. She shared that she got back together with her previous boyfriend. It was not long after I recall her telling me that she was pregnant. What astonished me was that she had chosen to have the child, Wesson, which she believed would give her more purpose and joy. I thought to myself the challenges that she would face as a young mother but she was not to be swayed.

I tried to stay in touch, see how she was progressing through life and as a mother. I am sure that their were varying opinions?

It was about three years ago, shortly after she was diagnosed with her heart condition that she called to tell me the news. I met with her where she stated that doctors told her that she needed a new heart. I was in shock and saddened to hear the news. I was hopeful that being young and a mother that she would be a priority candidate. That day also was the last time that we spoke. All attempts to contact her failed. I even reached out to her son Wesson in early December 2022 for the first time to ask of her health but I did not receive a reply. I was saddened to hear that she passed in mid February 2023.

Years later when we reflected on our time that we shared as roommates and lovers it always gave her happiness and joy, as it did for me. She was proud to have produced and raised her son.