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I am the son of Veeny Boon, who Ellen lived with while in Lunteren, Holland during the war.   I reached out to her and connected her with my mom by email years ago.  I regret not learning more about her life and her family.   My grandparents always talked very highly of her,  they called her Willie.   God bless 
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I miss you every day and loved our many, long talks and the feeling we understood many things about each other. I will Forever love you and miss your calming and kind voice. 

What I learned from Ellen? How to live in gratitude & joy! She always had a smile on her face, & enjoyed every day & every conversation.  A smile is the best cosmetic, she always looked the same to me, for 50 years!

She taught us by example so many things, like to listen more than talk! Everyone has a story to tell. Keep learning & taking classes, it keeps ur brain young.

When she was hit by a car (at Whole Foods) in her 90s, she worked hard with PT. Eventually Ellen was strong & no longer needed her walker. She taught us never to give up.

I never heard Ellen complain (even when she should). We were at lunch once,  in the sun, she wore a sweater & got heat exhaustion! I noticed she got quiet, & had to take steps to cool her down! She didn't want to bother about it.

Ellen loved nature, knowing that it refreshes the soul. Being in nature, loving plants & animals is healing. She traveled w/ Sierra Club, & had adventures alone, but met new friends everywhere she went. She loved our beautiful planet.

Ellen was vegetarian & loved animals, but didn't proselytize, & would go to regular restaurants & "find something to eat." I  have fish on occasion, but may still lecture folks on meat (Forks Over Knives documentary, anyone?). Her way is kinder. 

Ellen is still teaching me by her kind & loving example. I will always have her as a model on how to age gracefully, & live life fully, & how to love.

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$475.00
Raised by 4 people
Slideshow from Celebration of Life
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I was honored to be Ellen's doctor. She was always so sweet and pleasant. She was a patient I would look forward to seeing and would brighten up my day in clinic. She was inspirationally vibrant for being in her 90's. May she rest in peace.
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I first met Ellen in 1988 when I began teaching at CSULB. She took one of my Italian classes and then over many years took others. We became friends and would get together to talk. Her curiosity and love of learning never left her. Unfortunately, the pandemic made it difficult to seen each other in recent years. We had a nice lunch in 2019 at Gelson's. She was always a model of love, curiosity, intelligence, and infinite wisdom. I am so sorry I will be out of town for the funeral, but send my fondest memories.
Clorinda Donato
I was blessed to live next door to Ellen for 17 years.  I couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor.  I’ll never forget this beautiful woman, riding a bicycle (that had to be 60 years old) down the street.  I would say, ‘hey Ellen, where are you heading?”  She would reply, “I’m off to swim the bay!” Or “I’m off to do yoga on the dock!”  Ellen would ask me to watch Yossie when she would go…hiking with the Sierra Club!!!  She was in her 80’s!!!!!  I just thought, what an amazing lady!! She impressed me daily!  Such a blessing to have known her and learned from her❤️❤️  
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I am so sad to hear that my friend Ellen has passed away. Yes, she did seem immortal, as if she would always be here with us, to show us how to live a full and happy life. She was always my role model for how to live and age gracefully, and not let any impediments slow you down.  I was so fortunate to have met her and enjoyed her friendship for the past 25 years.  I am glad she is with her beloved husband now.  But I will miss her terribly...

Gary and Family, 

We are saddened by Ellen's passing.  She was our next door neighbor and once we moved a couple blocks away, she kept in touch with us with visits to one another's homes.  If I could attempt to model myself after someone who is brave and independent and a true lady, it would be Ellen.  She had such grace and joy.  The world is a little dimmer without her.  We will be honored to attend on the 6th. Thank you for including us.

Mike and Kathy Bohn 

So grateful we were able to see her one last time.  She was a kind, resilient, loving and beautiful woman who always found a way to find joy!  She will be deeply missed.
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She seemed immortal. She was like second mother to me. She lived a full life, and will be forever missed.
A wonderful, interesting and sweet woman. So glad to have been her friend over the years.  Especially dear to my husband who knew her since grad school years. 

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