Ellen Mae Alexander

As sorry as I was to hear of (Great) Aunt Ellen's passing the same week as my dad, it was nice to see her tribute next to his in the paper. It's been a tough week, but we will always have the memories and traditions they helped create. In Aunt Ellen's case, her serving of waffles with strawberries on Christmas day is a tradition that started in my childhood and continues to this day. We we take a moment to remember her next Christmas, and beyond, as we sit down for breakfast.

If we had to say good-bye to them both in the same week, it feels so fitting that Jack's obituary be placed right next to that of his favorite Aunt - Ellen. I could never figure out if Ellen was the "Mom" who understood me or the kind big sister I never had or my really close best friend. It doesn't matter. She always understood.

Ellen was my very favorite Aunt. I have thousands of fond memories of our vacations together on the Oregon coast. With my parents and Ellen and Dick. I regret that in the past few years I was not able to get up to see Ellen and Dick more often. My love and sincere sympathy to the entire family. My mother Mable Walradt is deeply saddened by the loss of her dear sister.