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Elisabeth Longwell Obituary

Elisabeth "Beth" Longwell 1968 - 2007 In Palo Alto, CA, August 20, 2007. Beloved wife of Robert Longwell. Loving mother of Lucy Michelle and Nathan Douglas Longwell. Devoted daughter of Ellen and the late Louis Levitas. Dear sister of Jim Levitas (Lisa). Loving aunt of Josh, Jesse and Annie Levitas. A loving wife and mother, dedicated teacher, devoted friend and an inspiration to all who knew her. Friends are invited to attend Memorial Services Thursday, August 23rd at 12:00 noon at Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Ave., Palo Alto. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elisabeth Longwell Foundation, c/o Longwell & Associates, 1900 Embarcadero Road, Ste. 107, Palo Alto, CA 94303.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Aug. 22, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Elisabeth Longwell

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Vonnie French

September 14, 2007

My son Joshua Gumm and his best friend Ignacio Tabarez were blessed to have Beth as their 4th and 5th grade teacher at Vargas over 10 years ago. I was blessed to have called her my friend. She was the most giving, caring, dedicated teacher I have ever known and we will miss her dearly.

Rob, Nathan, Lucy, Ellen and Jim (& Family), My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful human being with us all. Beth will be forever in our hearts.

Vonnie French (Joshua Gumm's mother)

Ignacio Bermudez - Tabarez

September 14, 2007

Mrs. Longwell - I was shocked to hear about your loss. You were a great person and the most caring teacher anyone could have. You will be missed and never forgotten.

Levi Phillips

September 5, 2007

Beth- I just wanted to tell you that i miss you, and i never got the chance to say i love you! you were the best friend that anyone could ask for. i miss you so much!

Jeannette Moore

August 29, 2007

Dear Rob, Nathan and Lucy,
I am a fellow twin mom and member of Gemini Crickets. I was so saddened to hear of the loss your family has suffered. Our thoughts and prayers and hearts are with you.
God bless your family,

Cameron oates

August 26, 2007

Beth,
Thank you for touching my life! Your demeanor and knowledge was one that I truly admired. I will never forget meeting you at our first twins meeting. What a blessed concidence. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Rob, Nathan and Lucy thank you for sharing such a soulful mother with our family.
With Love,
Cameron, Leslie, Carter and Wyatt Oates.

Elise Lucey (Darusmont)

August 26, 2007

Beth was such a wonderful daughter and mother. I will remember our times spent with our families and the lessons that she taught me as a parent myself. This is such a sad loss and she will be greatly missed. All my love to Ellen, Robert, Lucy, Nathan, Jim and family. My thoughts are with you.

Lisa, Erik, Kennedy & Landry

August 24, 2007

It takes a special woman to handle the gift of twins. Beth handled it with grace and immeasurable love. I was fortunate enough to have known Beth through our local twins group, and our online group. Because of our work in education, we could share stories on a number of different levels, and I always enjoyed the depth of her knowledge.

What I will remember most was a conversation we had when Beth decided to take a leave of absence from teaching to stay home and raise Nathan and Lucy. She said, "I don't ever want to have any regrets."

From the stories shared at her memorial, she certainly lived a full life, a life rich in QUALITY, if not in quantity. How blessed I was to have known her, and to have called her one of my "girlfriends." She will be truly and deeply missed.

Our prayers to the entire Longwell/Levitas family.

Kevin Kayne

August 24, 2007

Upon frequent visits to see ellen where i met Beth, I only wish that i could have known her more and she see could have seen me grow up. I wish the entire family the best in coping with this tragedy, remember her for her life and the accomplishments that she had. I wish the best to the kids and hope that they can understand the great person there mother was.

Kim Gladfelter (Lewis)

August 23, 2007

Beth was, and always will be, a true inspiration to all the people who knew her. She is one of the best friends I could have ever imagined having throughout my childhood. She was always there to lend an ear in times of need. Even through these last couple of months, she managed to maintain such a positive attitude. She continued to live life to the fullest all the way until the end. Beth, I will always cherish the many memories we had together throughout our childhood. I love you and you will remain in my heart forever.

Lisa George

August 23, 2007

I first met Beth at a family picnic in the Rose Garden. I had just had my twin boys and she was so friendly and helpful, offering to give me advice any time I needed it. She was a really kind person who seemed to have a gentle soul. She will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to her family. Wishing you love and strength during this very difficult time.

Teresa Gesmundo

August 23, 2007

Beth worked with us very briefly at Schools Legal Counsel in Hayward, California. She was a very soft-spoken, friendly and caring individual. We will always remember her with happy thoughts. My deepest condolences to her family.

Lisa Pott

August 23, 2007

My twin girls were born 8 days before Lucy and Nathan, and Beth and I met regularly for play dates. She was the only other Mommy I knew whose kids had as much energy as mine, so we formed an immediate bond. Beth was a GREAT Mom and always put her kids first. She was an intelligent mother, always striving to be one step ahead of her little munchkins. I really admired her. My heart aches for Lucy and Nathan, and their wonderful Daddy who will carry on Beth's legacy. I look forward to telling them one day what an amazing Mom they had!

Tina Wright

August 23, 2007

There are no words to describe the loss we all feel. Having just seen Beth a few short weeks ago at a Gemini Crickets meeting, it seems unreal that she is no longer with us. I am praying that the God of Comfort will be with everyone, especially the Longwell Family: Rob, Nathan and Lucy.
Tina, JP, Claire & Avary Wright

Rhonda Steward

August 23, 2007

Beth was a wonderful woman who inpsired courage and strength in so many of us at multiples mayhem. She will truly be missed and my prayers are with her family and friends at this time.

Nancy Witter

August 23, 2007

We were very sad to hear of Beth's passing. She was a most wonderful teacher for my two sons while she was at Vargas. She will always be remembered for being exceptionally caring and supportive. Our thoughts are with her family.

Kristin Summers

August 23, 2007

I was so saddened to hear of Elisabeth's passing. I remember when I was deciding whether or not go to back to work full time, she was very helpful to me in making my decision. I send my thoughts and prayers to Elisabeth's family.

claudette kayne

August 23, 2007

I lived next door to Beth when she was growing up and had the pleasure to babysit her and her brother, Jim. Both grew into wonderful young people, whom I was very proud to know. I last saw Beth at the Park with Ellen. We had a nice outing with Lucy and Nathan. She loved those two so much. I will miss her greatly, and want to extend my love to Ellen, Jim and Rob.

Kelly DiLapo

August 23, 2007

My thoughts are with Beth's family. I never met Beth in person, however shared many experiences with her through the multiples website. She will be deeply missed...

Stacy Arnott

August 22, 2007

My sister in-law Beth Longwell was a Wonderful Caring person , a wife and Mother. She cared about everyone that touched her life. We were lucky to have Beth in our lives. When she and Robert had Lucy and Nathan ; She was glowing like an angel her dreams had come true. We will remember the memories and the Caring person she was. She is our angel and will be in our hearts forever.

Stacy, Rory and Kolton Arnott

Tam Walker

August 22, 2007

Beth, my heart hurts that you are no longer with us. You brought so much joy, happiness, and thoughtfulness to those around you.
I cannot express to you and your family the comfort I had knowing that you and Nicole were so close. You were a good friend to my daughter! I know that neither she nor I will forget you.

My deepest sympathy to the family.
Lots of hugs to Rob, Nathan and Lucy.

Marla Deutsch

August 22, 2007

Beth and I taught together at Vargas for a short while and served on the SEA bargaining committee for many years. Her passion for fairness and willingness to "think outside the box" were impressive attributes we all admired.

Ha'makom yenahem etkhem betokh she'ar avelei Tziyonvi'Yerushalayim.

May the Lord comfort you and all who mourn.

Sara Tooker

August 22, 2007

I never met Beth in person, but I was blessed by getting to know her through our multiples mayhem board! She always had such uplifting, positive advice! She truly amazed me by her courage and strength! She has taught so many of us to never take life for granted! She is an inspiration and will be missed greatly! I pray for Rob, Nathan and Lucy, as well as family and friends, that they find the strength to get through this difficult time!

Polly Fox

August 22, 2007

Rob, Lucy, Nathan, Ellen & Jim~
Beth's wonderful spirit and lovely curls will truely be missed. I met Beth through our neighborhood and twins clubs. She was quick to reach out to me after my twins were born, knowing from experience what I needed. I had only recently gotten to really know Beth. Her love for her kids and family will live on in our memories. Our thoughts are with you always. Love, Polly, Eric, Adam & Benjamin

Laurie H

August 22, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss. Through our multiples mayhem group I communicated with Beth and she was a tremendous woman. I am sorry.

Rob Festenstein

August 22, 2007

May comfort all who mourn for Beth and may her memory always and forever be for a blessing. We knew her to be a wonderful human being.

Rachel, Rob, Noah, and Aaron Festenstein

Amy Trayer

August 22, 2007

Beth, I feel so lucky to have met you over a year ago. You were a wonderful friend and mentor to me and I will miss you very much. Your strength and courage are an inspiration to us all. You will never be forgotten and always in our hearts.

Rob, Nathan and Lucy, you are in my thoughts and prayers always......

Amy, Todd, Nathan & Audrey Trayer

Amber Flynn

August 22, 2007

I too never met Beth in person, but I know she was a very loving mother and friend through our multiples community. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Robert,Lucy, and Nathan in this time of need. Thanks for sharing Beth with us and for allowing us to be part of your lives as well. Hugs and love from Texas.

Akemi Bourgeois

August 22, 2007

One of my last memories of Beth was just before she got sick. We were both pushing our double strollers at the park, while trying to balance our Starbucks coffees in one hand. We became friends through our Gemini Crickets playgroup. She was a beautiful person and I am so saddened that she was taken away so soon. Sending the family my kindest thoughts and sincerest condolences.

Karen Roberg

August 22, 2007

Beth, I never met you but your strength was inspiring.

Rob, Nathan, and Lucy - You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rosheen Golden

August 22, 2007

Beth and I shared a play group with other mothers of twins. She was always coming with a big smile and funny stories to tell - this is how I will remember her. Life can be cruel and random. Beth was strong and brave. She will be missed so much. My heart goes out to Nathan and Lucy, Rob, and Ellen.

Monique Souter

August 22, 2007

God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
And whispered, "Come to me".
You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best

Linda De Los Reyes

August 22, 2007

Beth,
We miss you so much. Thank you for showing us true courage and hope.

Rob, Nathan and Lucy,
Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time. You are in my prayers.

Linsey Krolik

August 22, 2007

Rob, Lucy and Nathan,
I was just getting to know Beth through the Gemini Crickets Parents of Multiples club. She always wanted to help others as they found their way being new parents and I know she touched many people in her warm words of encouragement. Even through her illness, she continued to be involved and to help others. She was a very positive person and she will be greatly missed by all. My family's thoughts are with you all.
Love,
Linsey, Jeff, Ben, Lily and Ava Krolik

Leah Roberts

August 22, 2007

Beth was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She always had a kind word of encouragement to all of us on MultiplesMayhem. I only wish I could have met her and her family in person. My prayers go out to Nathan, Lucy, and Rob. Many hugs to you.

rosa prendergast

August 22, 2007

Just like many of Beth's friends on our multiples board...we never met but we all feel like she was a very dear friend. Her spirit and strength has taught us so much and it has showed us that we must appreciate every second of our lives. You will be missed so much Beth.

Mary Monovoukas

August 22, 2007

Beth's peaceful presence, her kindness and generosity cannot even begin to define her beautiful spirit. She will be missed tremendously.

Rob, Lucy and Nathan,

My thoughts will be with you during this most difficult time.

Tamara Boatman

August 22, 2007

Beth,
You will be greatly missed. You taught us all how to be courageous and to hope for the best, even while preparing for an outcome that was not the desired one. We will be praying for your family in the days and weeks to come.

Tammy Ecklund

August 22, 2007

I never met Beth personally but through Multiple Myhem knew that she was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

Sarah Matus

August 22, 2007

I never met Beth personally, but through our multiples community, we shared bonds of motherhood and friendship. She was a beautiful and strong woman, wife, mother, and friend, and though she is not physically with us, she lives on in our hearts and will never be forgotten. My prayers are with Rob, Lucy, Nathan, and other members of her family. Hugs from Connecticut.

Christin Birttingham

August 22, 2007

I did not meet Beth in person but shared the bond of multiples with her as well. Her story has touched many lives and I pray for Rob, Nathan, and Lucy and may God lift all of you up at this time.

Corey Triplett

August 22, 2007

Even though I only knew Beth through words and photos I can tell you that she truly was an amazing person. Her spirit and bravery will be missed by all. Our Multiples community has lost a friend but we will never forget her.
Rob, Nathan & Lucy you will be in my thougts and prayers.

Levi Phillips

August 22, 2007

Beth was one of the nicest and kindest friend anyone could have. i will always cherish our talks and laughs that we shared together. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Monique Souter

August 22, 2007

Beth you will be greatly missed! It's sad that a wonderful person like yourself left us so soon, but we know that you are now watching us from above. Even though we never met, a year and a half of talking and relating to eachother as a community ties you close to eachothers lives.

My thoughts are with Nathan, Lucy, and your husband Rob at this time. You're going to be greatly missed Beth!

*HUGE hugs from Missouri*

Rebekah Marek

August 22, 2007

Rob, Nathan, and Lucy,
Beth was truly amazing. She showed me the meaning of courage and strength. May God bring you comfort in these difficult days.

Louise Johnson

August 22, 2007

I never had the chance to meet Beth in person, but I felt like I knew her all the same through our Multiples community. Beth had such an amazing spirit and was such a source of inspiration to so many. Beth will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Laurie Dickinson

August 22, 2007

Although I never personally met Beth, she was still a friend. We shared that special bond of being a mother of multiples. She was a wonderful mother and was so proud of her family. She showed so many of us what it is truly like to be an inspiration.

Rob, Nathan and Lucy, I send you my love and prayers from Northern MN.

Julie Caplinger

August 22, 2007

Rob,Lucy & Nathan,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time.

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