Loretta L. Elwell

October 6, 1943 - August 1, 2020

Hello Everyone, I wanted to let you know that our wonderful cousin and friend, Loretta Lee Elwell, died peacefully at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland on Saturday, August 1st at approximately 6 p.m. Loretta wasn't given the physical ability or mental capacity that most people are blessed with in life but she was able to touch people's lives and enrich their days in ways that most of us could never imagine. Loretta was raised by her loving parents, Maxine and Wayne. There wasn't a thing they wouldn't do for Loretta to keep her safe and happy each and every day of their lives. Loretta was blessed with a large family with many aunts and uncles coming by the Elwell house daily. She talked to everyone and she loved all of the noise and banter. Loretta truly loved being around people. We had many vacations and trips where we went camping or on outings and Loretta was always an integral part of the family. Whether she was sitting by the campfire, taking a walk with her Dad, or yelling at a passerby saying Hi! Loretta loved all of her cousins and wow, we had many. I am sure many of you remember spending time with her, maybe even getting your hair pulled by her or being around when she had a fit. I think those memories are etched in our brains as great family times. As most of you know, when Aunt Maxine died Uncle Wayne went on a mission. He put Loretta on a diet and she lost over 100lbs. He walked with Loretta daily around the neighborhood and she would talk to everyone that she came into contact with. He also got her enrolled in a special school for handicapped kids. The school had never seen anyone like Loretta before - she was in her 50's! She would always look for the bus to come pick her up. Man, she loved riding the bus. Uncle Wayne wanted his girl as ready as she could be for the time when he wasn't going to be around anymore. He kept her at home until he was 88 years old and then the task just became too much. Uncle Wayne wasn't done though! Both he and Sylvia got Loretta into Vale Health Care, a skilled nursing facility just across the street from the old Brookside Hospital. Let me tell you, Loretta flourished in her new life! She was able to touch people every day with her engaging personality. Loretta was in a wheelchair by the time she was at Vale but they allowed her to roam the whole facility. Uncle Wayne couldn't even keep up with her anymore. In fact, Vale had to put a chair outside her room and Uncle Wayne would just sit there and wait for Loretta to circle the whole corridor and pass back by him. She was moving so much I started dressing her in Chuck Taylor's so she wouldn't kick 'em off. There was no slowing her down. Loretta loved everyone - she was always saying HI! Hi! Hi! and waving Bye! Bye! Bye! until they had to acknowledge her. For those of you who know Loretta, you know once she starts saying something or waving you have to acknowledge her or she won't stop. She made friends with everyone and everyone knew her. From the facility managers, to maintenance people, or janitors - she didn't care who you were or what you looked like. Loretta said Hi! to everyone and she loved every bit of it. Loretta THRIVED at Vale. We never could have imagined the independence she'd gain there. Loretta was a star at Vale and brightened everyone's day that came in contact with her. Her favorite words were "BOY" and "CAR", which in other words mean, "Greg, get me the heck out of here, let's go!" So we did. We went for drives through the country and the drive-through at McDonald's (one of her favorites). We went to Sylvia’s house to visit (another favorite). They were wonderful times for Loretta and me. I know many of my family members would like to thank me for my care and devotion to Loretta and for that, I thank you. I want you all to know I never, ever had a bad day with Loretta in my life. NEVER. From when I was a little boy until now as a 62 year old man. Loretta's gift to me in life was that she shaped me into a man who is compassionate for those less fortunate. She taught me humility and tolerance that I may otherwise never have understood. It was my honor and privilege to be Loretta's conservator. I already miss her terribly. The staff and patients at Vale will miss her too because she brought joy into everyone's day just by being Loretta. Before I end, I want to say a special thanks to our cousins, Karen and Sylvia. Karen, for her never-ending devotion to visiting Loretta. Sylvia, for always being there for both Loretta and me, whether it was a visit from Loretta and I or a sounding board for me when I needed another opinion. I can't thank you enough. Loretta also had a special caregiver named Lucy. Even after Lucy was promoted, she continued to help me with Loretta and devoted much of her time to Loretta. Lucy, if you read this I want you to know that Loretta and I both love you very much and we thank you for everything through all the years. Well Loretta, you better get going and go see Max and Wayne, they are waiting for you. Then for me, Loretta, please make sure that you either slam the door or leave it open so your mom will yell, "Loretta close that damn door!" Go run girl. I love you. Forever your Boy, Greg