Elvira Growdon

Elvira was a gentle, gracious lady with a warm smile. I miss her as part of our community.

It seems impossible that Elvira is not on this earth. I read of her death yesterday in our college alumnae magazine, and though we did not keep in touch after 1961, "Elf" has remained vivid in my mind: laughing, wry, playful, magic. Her tale of wee folk transforming the hockey field at midnight -- "gwiffeling on the green" in her phrase -- is now part of my own children's mythology. I am so sorry that you've lost her. She is not forgotten.

Elvira was truly an inspiration in her almost 30 years of dedicated work at the Boston Childrens Museum. She mentored many of us relative to the collections at the Museum. Her work leaves a lasting legacy and her support and inspiration will always be remembered. Her family will be in my thoughts and prayers and I will miss her greatly.

Dear John, Bud and I were both shocked to learn while we were at church yesterday of Elvira's death. She was so lovely and welcoming, and I always enjoyed talking with her. Please know that our prayers are with you. We were out of town last week or would surely have been at her funeral mass.
Lovingly,
Susan and Bud Mackey

Dear John and family,It is with a heavy heart that I heard of the passing of lovely and gracious Elvira.She is now playing with John in heaven as he used to play with my daughter Catherine Post at Pine Manor Nursery those many years ago.Both had the smile of an angel.Blessings to you all. Carol Post Pfaelzer

A Reminiscence

YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.

May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.

Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
'Tis still a comfort to have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
'Tis sweet to think that thou hast...