Mary's Words About Elise (delivered by Peter's niece Phaedra)
Created by Phaedra 8 years agoKathryn Elise Schoenrank - January 28, 1998 - September 4, 2015
I am speaking today on behalf of Mary Vanderburgh who, as Lizanne mentioned, is a long time family friend. Having known Laurel and Peter since high school, “Auntie” Mary has been there for all of the highs and lows of Elise’s struggle. These are Mary’s words.
On January 28, 1998 Laurel and Peter welcomed their daughter into the world. Their son, Jamie was almost 3 years old, and the new baby completed their perfect family. Such a special child deserved a distinctive name. While the nickname “Flip” that Jamie had suggested stuck for the duration of the pregnancy, it would not do as a permanent handle. Much discussion ensued, and finally it was decided she would be named Kathryn in honour of Laurel’s mother, but would be called by her second name “Elise”. Mary likes to think of Elise’s name as an acronym for “Embrace Life, It’s Short but Enjoyable”.
As they grew, Jamie and Elise became playmates and friends. Luckily, Jamie was willing to follow Elise’s directions and so they played with each other harmoniously. They both loved LEGO and made up wonderful games to play together.
When she went to school, Elise made other friends that developed into lifelong relationships. She continued to make friends wherever life took her. School wasn’t always easy for Elise. She had learning disabilities that she worked hard to overcome. Eventually, she came to love reading, and schoolwork became more rewarding for her. She loved art classes and learned to work in a wide variety of mediums, producing some lovely pieces of art. She made special gifts that are treasured by friends and family.
Elise loved to dance and sing and she especially loved to dress up. She adored beautiful jewelry, bright colours and patterns, rich textures, long skirts and dancy-dresses she could swirl in. And if the dancy-dress had pockets, well so much the better!
Elise had a strong sense of occasion and would celebrate anything given the opportunity. Celebrations were always made more-so by using special dishes, drinking from china cups and revealing delicate pastries from under her covered serving platter.
The “TA DA!” plate arrived in time for her 16th birthday and was used to present a birthday cake. She had a sweet tooth and loved candy, fruit, chocolate or anything sugary.
As well as wearing beautiful jewelry, Elise was very talented at creating unique pieces of jewelry with beads and other materials. She had an artistic eye and could see the potential in re-using pieces salvaged from garage sales and thrift stores. She loved hunting for these treasures. “I’ll save you” she would tell her reclaimed materials.
Elise dared to dream. Even when her health was precarious she looked ahead to a time when things would be better. She loved nature and enjoyed trips to Tofino, Grand Cayman or any local beach, exploring the natural wonders in those places.
Elise loved animals, especially the family pets. There were rats, and fish as well as the cats Daisy and Willow and dogs Paladin and Kyhbir.
She had long wanted a lap dog, and in May this year her dream came true when Rosie came into her life. At long last, Elise had her very own puppy. She took great interest in training Rosie, and it was a high point when the puppy became mature enough to be able to sleep on her bed overnight.
Elise gave the best hugs. She embraced life and everyone who crossed her path. The legacy that Elise has left us is to dream big, sing, dance, and enjoy all the sweet things that life has to offer.
(This part contributed by mom. This is a sand dollar on the move. Elise and I saw this on a local beach. We had never seen "sand dollar tracks" before. And it was but one of the many wonders to be found on a beach.)
I am speaking today on behalf of Mary Vanderburgh who, as Lizanne mentioned, is a long time family friend. Having known Laurel and Peter since high school, “Auntie” Mary has been there for all of the highs and lows of Elise’s struggle. These are Mary’s words.
On January 28, 1998 Laurel and Peter welcomed their daughter into the world. Their son, Jamie was almost 3 years old, and the new baby completed their perfect family. Such a special child deserved a distinctive name. While the nickname “Flip” that Jamie had suggested stuck for the duration of the pregnancy, it would not do as a permanent handle. Much discussion ensued, and finally it was decided she would be named Kathryn in honour of Laurel’s mother, but would be called by her second name “Elise”. Mary likes to think of Elise’s name as an acronym for “Embrace Life, It’s Short but Enjoyable”.
As they grew, Jamie and Elise became playmates and friends. Luckily, Jamie was willing to follow Elise’s directions and so they played with each other harmoniously. They both loved LEGO and made up wonderful games to play together.
When she went to school, Elise made other friends that developed into lifelong relationships. She continued to make friends wherever life took her. School wasn’t always easy for Elise. She had learning disabilities that she worked hard to overcome. Eventually, she came to love reading, and schoolwork became more rewarding for her. She loved art classes and learned to work in a wide variety of mediums, producing some lovely pieces of art. She made special gifts that are treasured by friends and family.
Elise loved to dance and sing and she especially loved to dress up. She adored beautiful jewelry, bright colours and patterns, rich textures, long skirts and dancy-dresses she could swirl in. And if the dancy-dress had pockets, well so much the better!
Elise had a strong sense of occasion and would celebrate anything given the opportunity. Celebrations were always made more-so by using special dishes, drinking from china cups and revealing delicate pastries from under her covered serving platter.
The “TA DA!” plate arrived in time for her 16th birthday and was used to present a birthday cake. She had a sweet tooth and loved candy, fruit, chocolate or anything sugary.
As well as wearing beautiful jewelry, Elise was very talented at creating unique pieces of jewelry with beads and other materials. She had an artistic eye and could see the potential in re-using pieces salvaged from garage sales and thrift stores. She loved hunting for these treasures. “I’ll save you” she would tell her reclaimed materials.
Elise dared to dream. Even when her health was precarious she looked ahead to a time when things would be better. She loved nature and enjoyed trips to Tofino, Grand Cayman or any local beach, exploring the natural wonders in those places.
Elise loved animals, especially the family pets. There were rats, and fish as well as the cats Daisy and Willow and dogs Paladin and Kyhbir.
She had long wanted a lap dog, and in May this year her dream came true when Rosie came into her life. At long last, Elise had her very own puppy. She took great interest in training Rosie, and it was a high point when the puppy became mature enough to be able to sleep on her bed overnight.
Elise gave the best hugs. She embraced life and everyone who crossed her path. The legacy that Elise has left us is to dream big, sing, dance, and enjoy all the sweet things that life has to offer.
(This part contributed by mom. This is a sand dollar on the move. Elise and I saw this on a local beach. We had never seen "sand dollar tracks" before. And it was but one of the many wonders to be found on a beach.)