ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

I was sad to recieve a link to an obit for Elaine in my email this morning. She had not posted much and had not been here since 9/29. A post in support of KDR in July mention she had been in the hopital with pnuemonia.

Elaine wrote this inspiring post at the beginning of this year to announce her 14th year NED:
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=57053

Elaine was not one to complain but did slip in some of her own issues from time to time. Always putting "one foot in front of the other," and encouraging all of us to do the same. More than 3,100 posts were made by Elaine in support here. She was very knowledgeable on diet and nutrition, as well as known for "gentle hugs."

Her obit in the next post.

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

ALICE ELAINE MITCHELL 72, passed away at Queens Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 31, 2013 after valiantly fighting HER2 breast cancer for nearly fifteen years. She was born in Manhattan, New York City, NY June 25, 1941. Alice’s parents were Ted and Christina Mitchell. She graduated from Hicksville, Long Island, NY High School in 1959 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian Studies and Religion from the University of Hawaii in 1995. Alice worked as a Master Accountant at Hilton Hawaiian Village and taught English in Fukushima, Japan and at McKinley High School in Honolulu. She is survived by her brother William Mitchell (Kathy) of Florida and many relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. Alice loved Hawaii and Japan and her friends and family and was so appreciative of her doctors and nurses and caregivers. She will be remembered for her extensive knowledge of religion, breast cancer treatments, vegan diet and Asian cultures. Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society. Alice’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of Perfect Liberty, 2258 Nuuanu Avenue (808-537-3237) on Saturday December 14th 4:00pm.

Posted in Family Placed Obituaries

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

So very sorry to hear this news about Elaine. May her family and friends feel peace in knowing she is in good hands.

So many wonderful and interesting things we learn about people in their life story; I am in Hicksville everyday, it's my neighboring town.

Karen

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

Very sorry to hear about Elaine. She was a wonderful member of our Her2 community here and will be missed.

all the best
caya

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

Sorry to hear this news. When I was diagnosed with a "new primary" last September after being ned for 12.5 years, she sent me a very nice note.

I asked her what stage/treatment/etc. she had been on and she wouldn't answer, preferring to say take it one step at a time.

I hope she didn't suffer and condolences to her family

Best,
Janis

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

This is so sad, another tragic news. Elaine was a great participant and supporter in this board. We will miss her very much.

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Elaine, you will be so missed. What a fighter. And so talented and giving.

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I'm so sad to read this but thank you for telling us Steph, Elaine was an inspiration and will be greatly missed here.

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

Elaine posted this December 30, 2010. It sums up here cancer journey and philosophy of LIFE beautifully.


Happy New Year !! Hauoli Makahiki Hou !!
I couldn't let this occassion pass without wishing all of you peace, good health and joy in 2011 and beyond.
I was diagnosed in early January, 1999. A doctor told me I had 6 months to live at the beginning of 2000. I remember that day. I did not say anything. I just laid on his exam table quietly, but in my heart and mind I decided that was not going to happen to me !!!!!!!!
I didn't know how I was going to accomplish that task that day, but I figured it out as I went along. I learned as much as I could, was not afraid to challenge doctors when it was appropriate to do so and found ways to get the things I needed. This journey has not always been easy, but I kept going even though I changed the route a couple of times.
I changed doctors when I needed to do that. On the other side of the coin I am still working with one or two doctors I first saw in 1999. Thankfully they are willing to travel with me through this journey.
I am still learning and putting one foot in front of the other. I promised my doctors I will be showing up for check ups when I am 90. That is my goal.
Never give up !!!!!!! Determination, believing in the possibility of success, learning as much as we can, refusing to give up, and being proactive and aggressive are the keys to long term survival.
All the best to each and everyone of you !!!!!!!!!! Never give up !!!!!!!!!!!


I will never forget dear Elaine. Her advice re supplements, diet and general inspiration at every moment were treasured by all on this board. I am truly saddened to learn that she has passed. I also believe this is not the end of her story. Her eternal Spirit still is! Just grateful to have had her be a part of our lives and journeys. Blessings to her and to her family and friends.

Ever grateful to you Steph for keeping us informed on so many levels! And to finally see a picture of Elaine!

I do wish we all shared more of ourselves. I grew up in Rockville Centre on Long Island. I lived in Dix Hills and Manhasset. I know Hicksville well!

I didn't know she was in Hawaii. I know Harrie is there... And Harrie found me on FB! Which has been a fantastic connection. Though we used to e a lot about our kids and spirituality and much more, I've learned so much more about her since joining FB last April.

We know so very much about one another, and yet we don't. To me that is a loss all around...

Sent with Love and Light,
Andi

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

Wow, Steph, I didn't see that one coming....really saddened by this news. She was such a classy lady and so very wise. I will miss her knowledge and encouragement. Elaine was a special warrior-woman.

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I don't recall her posting about a recurrence and the January post was so positive.

So sad to lose another special person on the board. Elaine will be missed.

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REgarding "seeing it coming."

When we have had so many of our dear members in a fight for their lives we tend to forget about some we have not seen in a while, figuring they will show up in due time. I, too, was wondering and about to post a call out to Elaine.

The link I got came from her neighbor. This lady was kind enough to let me know that Elaine's cancer was still quiet and was NOT the direct cause of her passing. She had other problems, and had gone from the hospital to a nursing home, so did not have her computer the last few weeks.

Elaine's intentions were always the BEST when she came here to read about others and see if she could helps someone in any way. I will remember her heart and soul as that gorgeous yellow hibiscus she used for an avatar.

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

Thank you very much Steph for informing us of Elaine's passing, and posting her obituary.

I always loved the yellow hibiscus appearing in a thread as Elaine's contribution was so valuable. And what an interesting, fulfilling life she led. Elaine will be missed for sure by many.....

And her being born in Hicksville brings us even closer as I've passed through Hicksville on trains many times in my life as I have relatives who live in Manhattan and in Northport on L.I., and I always had a little chuckle to myself when passing through or transferring trains in Hicksville at the name of the town!

Marie x

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

Steph I am very sorry to read this today - I was thinking just the other day how I had not read anything form her recently - I so enjoyed her posts she was very knowledgeable and helpful. Its a hard log on today..

Much love

Jenny xx

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

This is another shock. Not our Elaine from Hawaï! She was so supportive and active in our group. I will really miss her here. Michka

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

Stunned - both by her passing and her age - always thought she's in the
45~55 group.

Still, gone too soon. And she will be missed.

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Thanks for letting us know Steph. I am very saddened by the news. Elaine was indeed a very classy & special lady and will be truly missed.

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Rest in peace, Elaine.

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condolences to her loved ones

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This is so sad to me. She was such a great lady with so much knowledge. Whenever I had a boohoo moment, Elaine knew just what to say. So sad.

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So sorry to read this. Thank you dear Elaine for all you have given us. Ceesun

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Thank you for posting that. Im so sorry about the loss of Elaine. Prayers and positive energy to her family and friends.

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I am in shock and stunned :-(. I wish her family and loved ones all teh best. RIP Elaine

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

Rest in Peace, Elaine.

-shobha

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

I am so sorry. Thank you for letting us know. She was a great lady.

Am very pleased, though, that cancer didn't get her. She was so determined not to let it kill her!

My condolences to all who loved her.

Jacqueline

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

So sorry to hear this. deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Thanks Stephanie for letting us know
hugs sarah

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How good of her neighbor to let us know. Recent events here make me realize that I must tell my husband to keep you in the loop if I drop off the radar. Not that I intend to anytime soon!
I'm glad the cancer didn't get Elaine. She got that victory
Keep the faith everyone

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Loved Elaine's posts and her Hibiscus. So very sorry that she is gone. My condolences to her family.

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So sorry to hear of her passing.

(((Hugs to all)))),

Paula

Re: ELAINE M - Another member has her wings
 

although i am really really really relieved to find out it was not b.c that caused elaine's death, i must say how very very very sad i am that I will no longer see her frangipani flower that lovely yellow symbol of a pretty life in Hawaii, (having lived in Polynesia myself) and her quick concern for the needs of others. She was the first to reach out to pikibay about hema recently when we hadnt heard from him for a wee while and she started a thread asking about hema and him. She was quick to tend to others' needs. a lovely lady.
nora

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SHocked and saddened to read about Elaine. I will miss her voice here along with the beautiful avatar. Shocking and sad. So many losses - it seems harder and harder to process and accept and deal with so many online friends passing away. Each one is an inspiration, and an important part of this support community. Each person is sorely missed.

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So sad to hear about Elaine, I would always hear from her via private messages, I had no idea she had any medical issues.

Heaven is in need of precious Angels like Elaine. Rest in Peace my friend.

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I'm really saddened by this news. I noticed she hadn't been posting lately and was getting ready to give a shout out to her. She was really special....my thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

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It was very sweet of the neighbor to let us know. I am sorry to hear this.she has been a help to so many here.

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I'm terribly sad to hear this news. I hope her family finds peace and comfort. I looked to her for making it so long.

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Shocked to hear the news. May her soul rest in peace. On this board she had been very supportive to me and I will never forget her advice

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omg. thank you everybody, esp Steph, above for the exactly true words you wrote. I "searched" her name above in the search bar only in late November, a few weeks ago, the yellow hibiscus having been important to me whenever I saw it and read her excellent words. I read dozens of her posts in a row, fascinated by this loving, smart angel. My sincere sympathy to those close to her in "real" life.

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Read below if you want a peek into the private life of our dear Elaine. Her friends made a photobook with writings, and here is one of the memories by Elaine's friend who is retired from Catholic Charities with many honors and recognition for her work:


Alice loved teaching English in Fukushima, Japan and English as a second language to her adult students at McKinley Adult School. She was creative and made learning enjoyable for her students. She was a very private person, however, so she did not want to tell the people at work about her breast cancer. She continued working until she became disabled and quit McKinley. I don't think any of her co-workers knew the reason why. That was Alice--private, independent, and wanting to do things her way. No pity, please. She was a fighter who wanted to understand her health conditions and treatments and did not just accept what the doctor said. This led her to her wonderful naturopath, Dr. Jack Burke, who worked with Alice for many years even when she could not pay him for some of the many supplements and treatments that Alice felt were what kept her alive so long. She only asked for help when she REALLY needed it. She was fiercely independent and wanted to do all she could for herself. She greatly appreciated Cindy from Project Dona doing her weekly shopping. I sometimes filled in when Cindy was sick or away, and Alice's list of vegetarian foods from Kokua Market and Down to Earth was always amazing. Alice was one of my oldest friends in Hawaii. We would go out for dinner, or take a drive as well as go shopping. Each year she wanted to celebrate "another year of survival" (as she called it). For many years, she was in a local peace group and worked on issues of peace and justice. Alice finally found good caregivers, Julia and Debbie from Heaven's Helpers. They kept her independent which was her adamant first choice. She was touched by the cards and the phone calls from her workers to check on her when she was in the hospital at the end of her life. She truly wanted to stay in her own place. She never gave up and always fought to come home when her health failed and she was hospitalized so much at the end. What a fighter, our Alice. Betty Lou Larson

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Very very sorry to hear this news.
Glad that she won her battle against breast cancer, she brought a lot of hope.
Ellie

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Shocked to hear the news. My condolences for her family.My only consolation is that Hema will have company from some of her friends from this board