Age 82, of Watsonville
Ellie, as she was known to family and friends, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2018, surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late Chester and Rachel Elston. A graduate of Watsonville High School she had a public service career that included the State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles; Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Manresa Diagnostic and Counseling Center; and Santa Cruz County Treasurer -Tax Collector. After retiring Ellie volunteered at the YWCA Thrift Store in Watsonville.
Ellie was a strong and compassionate person, especially when it came to her family and friends. She enjoyed gardening, walking, reading, shopping, traveling, and her beloved cat Mitzee. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughters, Pam Pritchard LaVars, Karen Dotson, and Terri Daniels; brother, Orval Elston; sister, Dona Smith; sons-in-law Ed Connolly and Greg Daniels; grandsons Justin Connolly, Jody Connolly and Anthony Carerra; great-grandchildren, Sianna Stratton Connolly and Aiden Carerra; beloved niece Sharon Battle who provided extraordinary service during Ellie’s last two years; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ellie’s extended family included a dear friend, Betsy Vanderlan, whose ongoing friendship and support always brought a smile to Ellie’s face. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Emma Alexander.
A celebration of Ellie’s life will be held on August 25th at a location yet to be determined.
The family would like to thank the staff and management of De Un Amor residential care facility and Hospice of Santa Cruz County for the compassionate care they provided to Ellie.
During the last several years of her life, Ellie lived with the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. A tribute donation in Ellie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association can help with research, care and support for those living with this disease. Donations can be made at http://www.alz.org.
