Elisa Ellen Werner

1964 - 2015

Elisa Ellen Werner, 51, passed away Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, after bravely battling a stroke and cancer. Celebration of life: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth, 76107. Memorials: May be made to Operation Respect, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, to support the live animals, and the Omni Theater, both of which teach kids young and old to respect and care for Earth's amazing creatures; or to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Elisa was born Feb. 8, 1964, in Fort Worth and lived in southwest Fort Worth for much of her life. She graduated from Southwest High School and attended Tarrant County Junior College. She had previously worked at Edelweiss and Casa Manana, then joined the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, starting out in its live animal room. She remained a loyal employee there for 21 years, working in security, the ticket office and, most recently, systems administration/webmaster. Elisa was usually the first person in the office and could always be entrusted to put the museum's best face forward. She created a social media phenomenon by giving voice to the museum's celebrated snapping turtle, Bob T. Turtle, befriending hundreds of humans, dogs, turtles and animals around the world. She was active with Sokol Fort Worth throughout her life and made lifelong friends in the process. A gymnast in her younger years, she later coached at Sokol and Lone Star Gymnastics. Elisa was a staunch baseball and Rangers fan - even in the lean years - and could often be heard yelling "Play Ball!" at the end of the National Anthem, no matter what the occasion. She enjoyed road trips, camping, cooking, attending baseball games, the Kerrville Folk Festival, canasta with her Sokol family, poker with the Omni guys, cheering on her niece and nephew's accomplishments, sharing drinks with friends at the Bull & Bush, Sundays with the Masseys, and a good game of Scrabble. Often described as "freakishly strong" and tough as nails on the outside, behind that steel demeanor was a kind and soft-hearted soul who was always there when you needed her. She was truly a force of nature whose absence will be felt. Elisa was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Maureen Werner; and grandmother, Hanna Werner. We know Elisa would want to thank her sister Hanna, "Team Elisa," and everyone who showed her nothing but love over the past few months. Special thanks to Dena Whitehurst, Mary Alice Ward, Suzanne Townsend and Carol Murray for their loyal support. Survivors: Sister, Hanna Werner Castillo; brother, Carl Werner; nephew, Domingo Castillo; niece, Maria Castillo; many close friends who considered her part of their own families; and her cat, Jean Louise.