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Elissa Hadley Obituary
All will celebrate Elissa's talents, humor, passion for life, and love for others, in Athens on a Sunday to be announced in September. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Town and Gown Players Community Theater, P.O. Box 565, Athens, GA 30603, or Nuci's Space, Resource Center for Musicians, 396 Oconee St.; Athens, GA 30601 (www.Nuci.org)
Sandy Springs Chapel Funeral Directors, Atlanta, has charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elissa Hadley
Sponsored by those who truly love her..
Stephen Alcini
September 20, 2025
I still think of you often and miss reading poetry together. I love you and miss you.
Bill Mallonee
August 23, 2025
Thank you for your artistry and your voice, Elissa.
Thank you for that artistry & courage you showed in living your Life.
That was, and still is, an incredible & generous gift to so many of us.
Timothy Lang
September 26, 2023
One of my fondest memories was when my band opened up for the Breathlanes at The Globe in Athens for their CD release party. I LOVED Elissa and of course her singing and realness, her warmth and love of the whole world. Listening to "For Now" today on YouTube and it's really helping me get through a painful time. I hope that before I go I can leave behind at least one album that can touch people the way she reassures me and opens my eyes to the magical and mystical. Peace Be With You
Bill Mallonee
August 23, 2023
Elissa, you are so very missed!
Thank You for your kindness, your artistry...and your generosity & goodwill towards me for many years in Athens.
David Giguere
August 23, 2023
Moving my son in for another year at UGA has brought up more memories of Athens in the early 90´s. You´re never far from my thoughts, Elissa.
Denny
August 23, 2022
We miss you, Elissa.
Cecilia Hadley
August 23, 2021
I feel your presence every day and night.
I love you,
Mom
Jen Lee
August 23, 2021
Thinking of you and missing you. xoxo
Deb Chasteen
May 28, 2020
Hey, kiddo. Thinking of you.
x deb
Byron Millican
April 1, 2020
Happy Birthday, Elissa!! Thinking of you during these dark times, and as always you bring a smile to face. I can still hear your laughter ringing in my ears. Cat hair on my pizza, indeed! Your light still shines bright for all those who remember you. And those who do will never forget! Thank you for the laughter you gave; your light will never dim.
DHS, 1986
Todd Spor Smith
November 7, 2019
Just a moment here to say hello and that you entered my mind via a dream last night...
Yes, we were laughing and chasing somethingwe always were.
Photo is from 1986 when I visited you at DHS.
You are always on my altar, with some amazing company.
I will never forget our musings about what really goes on inside the Keebler Tree!
Love you,
Spor
Denny Zartman
August 23, 2019
I was thinking about Elissa just yesterday.
Deb Chasteen
April 1, 2019
Hey, you
Those flashes as I pass your haunts, and those many "I've got to share this with Elissa" moments are still right here with me, and I'm so glad.
Happy birthday, Chica.
Bob Cucchi
July 6, 2017
I think of Elissa from time to time. Especially when I see a funny, sweet, talented young lady that is clearly ahead of her time in so many ways. I remember her being artistic and able to carry on a conversation with anyone. She always made me laugh and she also put me in my place when I was being a jerk. We went to DHS together and next summer will be our 30th year reunion. I will make sure to say some special words about her and a few others that God has taken from us too early. Best to you Ms Hadley
Bob Cucchi, Dunwoody, GA
Steve Elliott-Gower
April 27, 2016
I too was blessed to know Elissa, and to relish the joy and laughter she brought into our lives. Love, Steve
April 25, 2016
Cecilia,
You are a wonderful woman of great, great courage.
I was graced to have known your Ellissa.
No, not all that well, but mostly as a fellow artist and songwriter living in Athens.We'd run into each other on the streets of town and catch up on things.
We shared a few shows at Eddie's Attic in Decatur.
She was always and ever the warm and encouraging artist!
Elissa sang on a few of my recordings. Those vocals were high points of great emotion and beauty.
Such a wondrous talent!
Thank You, Cecilia for your courage and for posting your heart's thoughts here and allowing us to be part of that... ~ bill mallonee
April 6, 2016
I just want you to know how many people remember you with love and gratitude. You touched so many during your time here and your positive presence continues to inspire and bring smiles to their faces and happiness to their lives. What a wonderful legacy you left us! I am blessed to have had you as my daughter. Love to you, always. Mom
Diane (Grabiak) Alexander
July 28, 2014
You don't know me, Mrs. Hadley, but perhaps remember me from high school by chance; Diane (Grabiak) Alexander. I know it's been many years since Elissa's passing and was delighted, for lack of a better word, to find this page here. I just wanted you to know I think of Elissa often. We weren't in the same circle of friends, per se, nor did we have many classes together. The point of my note is I always thought she was so talented and loved to watch her perform. I wish I had known she was in Athens. I defiinitely would've gone to see her "work her magic." I realize this message is "out of the blue" but wanted you to know she made an impression in my life. Hope you and yours are well.
April 3, 2014
Happy Birthday, young lady!
Peace & joy to you!
Kris Wood
April 2, 2014
Thinking of You today, listening to your music and walking down memory lane. Mrs. Hadley sending you hugs Your always in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
April 2, 2014
Happy Birthday to Elissa and much love to you, Cecilia!
xoxo
Freddie
Jessie Morton
April 2, 2014
thinking about you and smiling widely. missing you and wondering if i should stop smiling.
then i think of you and smile even more.
HB dear elissa.
much love Cecilia.
Cecilia Hadley
April 2, 2014
Well, my darlin' girl, it's almost midnight on April 1st, 2014, which would make you 44 years and 10 and a half hours old. God, how I miss you! Thanks for leaving me such good friends. We all love you. Mom
Denny Zartman
April 1, 2014
Remembering & missing Elissa on her birthday!
Tammy Singer Brin
February 22, 2014
Hi, this is Tammy. I am Margaret Tichenor's niece from Miami, Florida. She just told me what happened to Elissa. You have my deepest sympathy. I remember dancing to Grease Lightening with her and laughing a lot with her when I would visit my aunt during the summers. I still have pictures of us dancing. She was such a happy spirit.
Cecilia Hadley
August 27, 2013
I love you and miss you today and every day. You were my life, you saved my life, you made my life worthwhile. Mom
Denny Zartman
August 11, 2013
Hi, this is Denny, a friend of Elissa's. I made a Facebook fan page for her. She is too talented to not have a million fans. ps://www.facebook.com/elissahadley
April 1, 2013
Happy Birthday, Elissa. I can still hear your laugh. May I never forget.
Cecilia Hadley
April 1, 2013
Happy Birthday, my darlin' daughter. I love and miss you more with each year that passes. You're the best thing I ever created. All my love, Mom
Monica Randklev
November 21, 2012
I miss you so, so, so much. Yesterday Tabs told me that she and Betsy got under a blanket and had a meowing party. I wanted to tell you so badly because I knew you would think that was adorable and hysterical. Miss you all the time. All the time.
November 20, 2012
Always,always thankful for you.
Love, Mom
Kris Wood
April 3, 2012
Elissa You have been on My heart. I will never forget you. I still see your smile and hear your laugh. You were a good friend. I miss you.
Elissa channeling Vanna White (Wheel of Fortune) with her blue bug outside DHS, 1985
Todd J "Spor" Smith
April 2, 2012
Hi Elissa. Finally found this old photo of a typical high school day with you. Life is grand in San Fran and I think of you whenever I go to strange and avant garde productions in my little local theatres. Its all a postcard greeting now, like, "Wish you were beautiful, weather is here" Avec amour...
Elissa Hadley
Cecilia Hadley
April 1, 2012
You're missed by so many and loved as much today as when you were with us. Happy birthday, my dear daughter. You'll always be as beautiful, both inside and out, as you were in 2006. Love, Mom
Tracy Stroud
April 1, 2012
thinking of you today e. I love you and miss you everyday.
Cecilia Hadley
July 26, 2011
I would like to invite all of Elissa's friends to a special celebration of her music. The event is "Sparkle Song" and will be held at Nuci's Space (396 Oconee St, Athens, GA), from 5:00 pm until 11:30 pm, on Saturday, August 27th. There will be performances, lots of music, pictures, videos, and laughter. Spread the word. Bring your friends, and join us for the fun. A donation to Nuci's Space (any amount) is your admission. We plan to have some of E's CDs available for an additional donation.
I hope to see you there,
Celia
Stacy Walker
June 20, 2011
Elissa,
You crossed my mind today & I searched for you on facebook. I was so saddened to find you were no longer here, with us. I remember having only happy, fun, silly times with you. You were always the life of the party & such a supportive, kind & caring friend. I know now that you are no longer suffering & I feel happy knowing you are in what I believe to be a beautiful & safe, happy place. You will always be in my thoughts & continue to make me smile. I love you & have missed you.
Your old friend, from The Atlanta Jazz Theatre,
Stacy Walker
Byron Millican
April 1, 2011
Cat hair on my pizza. And I still think of you.
Happy Birthday! Miss you.
Tracy Stroud
April 1, 2011
thinking of you today e. I'll always miss you and love you. I am so thankful for the times we had together. No one made me laugh harder than you.. thank you for that. Looking forward to celebrating your life in August at Nuci's Space with your friends and family.Thank you for everything. Love you- Tracy
Cecilia Hadley
April 1, 2011
Happy birthday, my darling daughter. I can't believe this would have been your 41st!
Things I know: You're going to have so much fun at "Sparkle Song". Many of your friends will be there to perform or just to see each other after many years.
I know you're also happy that every dollar will go to Nuci's Space.
I know you're not here, and that's hard to believe and hard to endure .....but knowing you're happy and cancer-free means everything to me.
I also know that you can still hear me "loud and loving" you.
Always and forever, Mom
Cecilia Hadley
March 6, 2011
I have exciting news for all of you friends of Elissa! Tracy Stroud and I are planning a benefit concert to remember Elissa, and all profits will go to Nuci's Space. We would like to invite all of you to come, perform, reunite with friends, and donate to this wonderful organization which literally saved Elissa's life in her last years. The event is planned for Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, and will be held at Nuci's Space (Oconee St. just east of the downtown area). Your admission is any size donation. If you are interested in attending, please email your response to [email protected]. We will donate $5 for each response to Nuci's Space on E's birthday (April 1). If you'd like to perform or reminisce on stage that evening, let us know so that we can put you on the program. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Obviously just watched Karate Kid
January 16, 2011
Birthday Party (14?)
January 16, 2011
Her famous shampoo mohawk
January 16, 2011
We were too cool
January 16, 2011
January 16, 2011
January 16, 2011
Finn & Wissa (Hilton Head 1984)
January 16, 2011
January 16, 2011
Hilton Head, 1975?
Cecilia Hadley
January 12, 2011
Mary Catherine, I'd love to be able to communicate with you about Elissa. My email is: [email protected]. There is a picture of you and E in the Guest Book Photo album. Hope you're well and happy. Love, Celia
January 10, 2011
January 10, 2011
Cecilia Hadley
December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas, my dear daughter. I feel your spirit especially during this time that you loved so much. Good, good things are happening because of you and for you. Row E for Elissa has become a reality at the Town and Gown. More good things are in the works, but they will remain Christmas secrets for now. One of the greatest gifts you left for me was your group of friends. None of us will ever forget you or stop finding ways to help your powerful spirit live on. Love, Mom
MaryCatherine Fondren
November 16, 2010
Mr. & Mrs. Hadley,
In an effort to find Elissa after 25 years, I found I would never be able to reconnect with my sweet friend from high school...I am so sorry for your loss, & for the loss of a wonderful, humorous, quirky individual. It saddens me that I waited too long to resume our friendship. She was truly one of the greatest friends I have ever had. I will contribute photos soon.
Love, Finn (Mary Catherine Todd)
Cecilia Hadley
November 12, 2010
For those friends of Elissa's who would like to help create a permanent memorial for her in a place that she loved, I'd like to let you know that we are trying to fund a row of theater seats in the Town and Gown (community playhouse) in Athens, GA. Appropriately, it is row E. If you would care to contribute any amount, please send to Town & Gown Players, P.O. Box 565, Athens, GA 30603. At the bottom of your check write: Seat for Elissa Hadley. Thank you for your continued love and support. Much love, Cecilia
Tracy Stroud
August 28, 2010
not a day goes by that I don't think of you, e. I was so lucky to know you and have you as my friend.. I love you always-
Tracy
Jennifer Eberlein
August 27, 2010
Thinking of you today and every day, my dear funny wonderful friend. I love you and I miss you. Thank you for sharing your beautiful light.
Sending you and your Mom much love!!
May 1, 2010
Feliz cumpleanos, Elissa.
As A.Lincoln once said, "It's not the years in your life that matter, but rather the life in your years"--that's what really define us.
Raising a very late night glass to you, watching the full moon slide towards the Pacific.
Bisou!
Mr. Smith
Elissa singing at my wedding.
Ricky Vila-Roger
April 28, 2010
Andrew Hyra
April 26, 2010
Some people bring out the best in us. I was never funnier than when I was with Elissa... she brought it out of me. I never sang better than when I sang with her. I have never sung with anyone as empathetic as Elissa. She would finish my thoughts, lead me to know exactly what a lyric might only be hinting at. She expressed emotion with her voice in a supernatural way. She is with me whenever I sing now. I miss her every day. I am blessed to have known her, sang with her. And am equally blessed that even though she is gone, I can turn her voice on whenever I need to reconnect with the best parts of myself.
Cecilia Hadley
April 4, 2010
April 1st was as beautiful and perfect a day as the one in 1970 when Elissa was born. It still overwhelms me to know that I had a part in creating such a wonderful person; one who touched so many lives in so many positive ways. For me, she was simply my heart and my greatest joy. My love for her only grows with each passing year. I am so proud of the person she became. Love, Elissa's mom
April 3, 2010
I will always be grateful to Tom Lewis for bringing Elissa in to sing on some of my songs. There were no rivals In Athens for the way she delivered such vocals. I had been a huge fan of her voice and her other bands, playing bills together at Eddie's in Decatur, Ga.
The word "gracious" always comes to mind, when i think of Elissa. She was (and still is) a continual voice of encouragement.
She had that rare spirit of grace and she bestowed that gift on all she met. She was one who always believed the best about people...even when it was hard for them to believe it for themselves.
The loss is still felt.
Brian Bascle
April 1, 2010
Happy birthday Elissa!
Tracy Stroud
August 21, 2009
Oh e, I can't believe that next week it'll be 3 years since you've gone. I think about you every day and God, I still miss you so much. I love you always.
Love, Tracy
Jen Lee
July 7, 2009
I just found this site today. Several months ago I reconnected with Ricky and friends from our high school days, and I learned the devestating news about Elissa's passing.
I remember what a dynamo Elissa always was. She and I hung with the same crowd of people back then, and Elissa always stood out as someone special - she filled our lives with joy and light. I feel honored to have been able to know Elissa - I feel honored to call her my friend.
Much Love,
Jen(ny Riley) Lee
Byron Millican
June 14, 2009
I was searching for Elissa online when in my horror I came upon this site. I went to High School with Elissa and she was a dear friend and inspiration to me.
Although we fell out of touch years ago, she is often in my thoughts. And her voice is forever burned in my brain.
Thank you for the laughter, the lunacy, and the inspiration. I carry part of you with me always.
Byron
Monica Randklev
May 23, 2009
Dear E,
A new and wonderful friend of mine, whose mother is surviving breast cancer, has added your name to her group's Relay For Life t-shirts. She is walking with a group in Pennsylvania, where she lives. Even in the next life you continue to touch others who never had the pleasure of meeting you. Every FaceBook album or entry I have made about you or that Brad (and everyone) has made about you has impacted others so deeply. You are magic and I still love you deeply.
Love, M
Cecilia Hadley
May 22, 2009
Dear Athenian,
Your message means the world to me. Elissa would be so grateful that her life served to make another's life better, happier, healthier. My prayer is that her voice continues to be heard, and her beautiful spirit continues to inspire those who pay attention to her life. Thank you so very much for sharing your experience and for your comforting words.
This is how I remember you. Laughing. I miss you.
May 16, 2009
an athenian
May 7, 2009
Mrs. Hadley--I just wanted you to know how sorry I am that you lost your beloved Elissa. She was a beautiful spirit and a wonderful singer. Because of her, I got tested and successfully treated for HPV infection. I feel like she saved my life, and I think about her often, with gratitude and deep respect for her life and music.
Cecilia Hadley
April 1, 2009
My sweet love, happy 39th birthday. Every day brings me that much closer to you. Not a moment goes by that I don't think of you. I know you're with me on this journey. I love you more than words can say. Mom
Tracy Stroud
April 1, 2009
thinking of you today e. miss you and love you always-
Love Tracy
Deb Chasteen
April 1, 2009
Happy birthday, Elissa. I think of you and smile.
Jennifer Eberlein
April 1, 2009
Happy Birthday, my sweet angel, Elissa!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
for gracing my life every day with your shimmering light. The kitties and I smile on you.
Love Always, Jennifer
Cecilia Hadley
November 27, 2008
On this Thanksgiving I am so very grateful for all the wonderful tributes Elissa's friends have left on this site. I always knew how amazing she was, but you have no idea what it means to me to know that you recognized it as well. She touched so many of us and made us all feel so alive.
Maybe I should let Elissa tell you how we feel: "I am braver. I am stronger, yes. I am bird wings and birthday cake. Flying starlight clean again, I'm flying starlight clean. I am twinkly, like a tree at Christmas time. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
"Twirling" lyrics by Elissa Hadley
My God, how I love that child of mine. Bless you all for sharing your memories. They keep me going.
David Giguere
November 21, 2008
Dear Mrs. Hadley,
I first met Elissa in 1990 at UGA through a friend, and later Lenny bandmate, living on my dorm hall. I look back on those times, listening to her sing with Lenny, with incredible fondness. She was such a beautiful, wonderful force. After I left UGA, I always kept an eye out for her name, hoping to catch her playing again. I read of her passing in a local music magazine. I could not believe it. I still cannot believe it. I am very sorry for your loss; we are all diminished without her. I am also sorry for not sending my condolences directly. I believe we only met once, at a birthday party for her at your home.
I miss her,
stacey shulman
October 8, 2008
Dear Mrs. Hadley,
I, too, just heard about Elissa's death, and wanted to send a note to you and your family. I was a couple of years ahead of Elissa in high school, and fondly remember her vivacious spirit and remarkable talent. She brightened many of my days as an angst-filled teenager in high school with her wit and laughter.
I'm so happy to hear that she continued to pursue her creative dreams through college and beyond. May you find comfort in your memories of such a lovely person, and the gifts she left behind.
Best,
stacey shulman
austin elementary alum
Todd Smith
October 3, 2008
To all who knew her,
First, my truest and sincerest condolences. As you read this, please note that I just learned of her passing in the last five minutes and I am a little numb, but felt that it was best to relate to all of you a longtime memory I have held of her.
We attended high school together and acted together and listened to music and most importantly...shared unending infectious laughter together.
I remember living downtown Atlanta in 1988 and she came to visit me in my terrible, tiny apt for my birthday--I was 21, she was just 19. She brought two things to me that day. One was a beautiful 1948 printing of Dante's divine comedy complete with Gustave Dore's engravings, signed by Elissa to me with the following epithet:
"To my dearest Spore (nickname for me), who has taught me more about life than a Keebler Ninja Elf knows"--her way of saying thanks for our times together.
I have the book before me and it will have a different value for me now, I suppose.
The other gift was Sinead O'Connor's first album, 'The Lion and the Cobra'. It was a cassette and Elissa and I spent the next hour in her vintage Mustang cruising the city streets while she sang every note to absolute perfection. I've never heard Sinead O'Connor without hearing Elissa singing beside her.
Again, my deepest condolences for those that feel the loss. More importantly, my deeper appreciation to the Hadleys for bringing her into my world for those short years.
Regards,
Todd J Smith
Melissa Hamilton Puppa
September 15, 2008
Dear Mrs. Hadley,
I am so late at finding out about the passing of my old friend. I have many great memories of Elissa. I doubt that you would remember me. I went to a neighboring high school. Elissa and I went to one of Dunwoody's dances together because we were fed up with the boys we liked, so we went with each other. I laughed about that not long ago while telling my husband. We rented a limo and everything. That's the way Elissa was, nothing could get her down. It rubbed off on everyone around her. I hate that I waited too long to reconnect. I will miss her.
Monica Randklev
August 28, 2008
When I look at photos of us, it still doesn't seem real. Sometimes I think you are still a phone call away and other times it seems like I dreamt you up in my head from the beginning. Regardless, I still love and miss you terribly. And everyday I feel that I need you here because you were my closest friend. Sometimes I need to talk to you so badly my heart literally aches.
Miss you...........
Tracy Segraves-Van Namen
August 28, 2008
I went to High School with Elissa and just found out she passed away. I just saw a picture of us when we were in The Wiz together and laughed because she had the most awesome facial expressions. She was a perfect scarecrow! I can't believe it. What a sad loss for people who knew her and even people she had never met. My heart goes out to you, Mrs. Hadley. She was an amazing person!!!
Tracy Stroud
August 27, 2008
Elissa, I've been thinking of you this past week a lot and especially today. I still miss you so much.
I love you always-
Tracy
ROCHELLE FORGAY
June 16, 2008
I AM HEART BROKEN AND DEVASTATED TO HEAR OF ELISSA'S PASSING. MRS. HADLEY I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'LL REMEMBER ME..MY NAME WAS ROCHELLE LATONE. MY MEMORIES OF ELISSA ARE SO CLEAR. SO MANY LAUGHS AND WONDERFUL TIMES OF SINGING AND LAUGHING. SHE COULD MAKE ME LAUGH LIKE NO OTHER. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND MR. HADLEY. WITH OUR 20 YR HIGH SCHOOL REUNION COMING YOU CAN BE SURE AS I WALK THE HALLS OF DUNWOODY HIGH I WILL REMEMEBR THE WONDERFUL TIMES I SHARED WITH YOUR DAUGHTER. LOVE, ROCHELLE
Natalie Hardwick
June 4, 2008
Ms. Hadley- I don't know if you will remember me but I loved your daughter something fierce in high school. She made me laugh like no one else could. As I was reading what all the class of 88' are up to on this eve of our 20th High School reunion, I was slapped in the face to hear of Elissa's passing. I am heartbroken and want to pass along my condolences. I have taken comfort in remembering and chuckling at my fond memories of her. You and Elissa will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. Natalie Hardwick
Kris Wood
April 3, 2008
Elissa, You are on my mind and in my heart. Thinking of You always, even more the last few days. You will forever be that Smile:) Thinking of You and your mom on your birthday April 1, 70 Miss You.
Monica Randklev
April 2, 2008
Sigh! I haven't been able to look at your picture for the past week without losing it. Even Tabitha was crazy emotional yesterday talking about missing you. You would have loved the tulips I brought your mom. They had these crazy frayed edges that I'd never seen before. It was the kind of little detail that you would have appreciated and loved. That is what I have learned most from you...to appreciate the little silly wonderful details of things in life, regardless of what the rest of the world is doing. Your "certs with retzin" blouse is a perfect example.
I love you Elissio Beves. Miss you so so so very much. :(
Deb Chasteen
April 2, 2008
Happy Birthday to Elissa, and blessings to Cecilia. God bless your family.
Tracy Stroud
April 1, 2008
E- I've been thinking of you all day, and asked you this morning to send me a sign that you're ok and to please send one to your mom too. I called your mom tonight and when she called me back, you called her with your message!! We laughed and cried about that for a while- I probably will keep doing so all night. Thank you so much for that- I can't even tell you how much you still mean to me and how much I still miss you.
I love you-
Tracy
Ricky Vila-Roger
March 31, 2008
Happy Birthday, Elissa. I miss you every day.
I love you.
Karina Tumen
December 23, 2007
I can't believe this...I didn't even know Elissa had passed on until I happen to be looking for information on her band Breathlanes today, to see if they were still together, and that is horrible. I used to know her when I was a shelver at the Athens Regional Library and she used to work at the young adult section. I thought she was so awesome and cool and I remember pestering her to buy her band's cd. One day she handed it to me and I could have not been more thankful. I loved the CD and I wish I had had a chance to tell her that and how awesome she was.
Stephen Alcini
December 8, 2007
I love you and miss you. I remain the whispering core and you will forever be the roaring sky.
Speedy Arnold
November 2, 2007
still can't believe that she is gone....because everytime i read one of these messages, i feel her presence. I left a message or two wen Elissa first left us....I'm 10,000 miles away from home right now....from home, Athens, Town and Gown Theater, fellow actors and colleagues. That is incredibly hard at times. Whenever Ellisa and I crossed paths, there always seemed to be hugs, compliments, and laughs. God I miss her, her talent, her LIGHT.
Speedy Arnold
Bulldog in Bangkok
Mom
November 1, 2007
What wonderful memories of this time of year....planting flowers together, swapping out winter and summer wardrobes, going to movies (how you would have loved to see "The Golden Compass" in December), shopping, rehearsing for a play, stopping to smell the roses, and generally loving life. I guess that's why this isn't totally real to me.... you were just so alive! I do know this, you made all of us who loved you more aware of everything around us, both good and bad. You had a powerful talent for pulling people into the present to be with you. Thank you for showing us how to live in every moment and appreciate all it had to give. What a gift you gave us!
Love Always,
Julia Jetton
September 1, 2007
Thank you for passing along this last entry to us. Elissa was truly one of a kind and she will always live on in our hearts.
Cathleen
August 30, 2007
Thank you for sharing this story and telling me what I know in my heart. What more is there to say, just thank you for saving this space for us all.
Cecilia Hadley
August 30, 2007
Elissa wants all of you who love her to know that she is still close and still loves us. Here is how I know: For more than a year I have been saving several cellphone messages from my daughter. The best one of them all came after radiation when we all thought the cancer was gone. She had just gotten a job at Chico's which she loved, had just committed to co-directing a play at the Town and Gown, and was happier than she'd been in months. The basic message was, "I'm so happy... good things are happening for me, because I don't have cancer anymore. I love you!".
This message comes up to be resaved every 40 days. It was a wonderful coincidence when it came up for resaving on Elissa's birthday. Maybe more of a miracle than a coincidence when I realized that the time it came through was the exact same time in the afternoon that E had been born in the early morning (2:48).
It was clear to me that there was a definite purpose to this event when that very same message came through on the anniversary of her death (Aug. 27) at exactly the time in the afternoon that she had died in the early morning (1:30). Funny thing; I had just resaved that message two weeks before. It had 25 or 30 more days until it SHOULD have come up again.
I find this extremely comforting. She knows that I'll share this with those who care, so she's talking to all of you, too. (As if any of us could ever forget such a magical one.)
She's still working her magic, my friends!
Ricky Vila-Roger
August 29, 2007
Well, after calling to make sure my Mom recovered from surgery and taking my fevered, 4 year-old son to the emergency room at 9PM yesterday, I guess I'm always meant to feel like this on this day. At least I had an excuse to be huge a mess on such an awful day. I listened to your sweet voice on the way home from picking up my son's medicine from the drug store at midnight and cried in disbelief that it's already been a full year without you. I played "Day" 4 times in a row because it's how I love to remember you---singing at my wedding, head thrown back, eyes closed, in your blue-dressed cuteness. I still think about you all the time. I miss and love you...always.
Monica Randklev
August 28, 2007
I wish I could call you and tell you of my meltdown yesterday. I can hear your laughter as I detail for you how I came "thisclose" to throwing a floral arrangement at a local florist who sold me one wholly unsatisfactory bouquet.
I can hear you laughing at me as I describe the insanity of a cranky baby and a tremendously patient preschooler accompanying me to Publix to purchase additional flowers for a much needed spruce-up.
I can hear your laughter turn to tears of sweetness and joy that I spent hours acting like a deranged, blubbering mess-on-a-mission trying to create and deliver a suitable floral arrangement to your beloved mother, who I feel deserves so much more than I can give to her.
But know this Elissa, I not only think of you everyday, but also of your wonderful mother. She is my second mommy and I will do my best to always ensure that she feels loved, appreciated and needed. Don't worry Eissa about Mothers Day. Don't worry about Valentines, Thanksgiving or Christmas. I will always honor and include your mom, and I will always make you smile as you watch from above. I will not rest on those days until I hear you whisper to my soul, "Thank you. That is so sweet. I love you."
I love you too, Elissa.
Deb Chasteen
August 28, 2007
Remembering Elissa on this sad anniversary. Remembering her mother, father, Newt, and her many friends, too. Today is a day to recall her bright spirit—
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