The more time I got to know grandmother, the more I loved her sense of humor. She encouraged me to write. At the time I was writing a column about being an overwhelmed mother with two young sons 2 and 3, eleven months apart. At no point did I feel like I was winning or even surviving motherhood. It was grandmother who said “keep writing”. And so I did. One morning Gus kicked and broke a slat in his crib and tried to use it as a weapon. The toddler boys howled with laughter as they pursued each other for the prize. One was using his body weight to edge his crib closer to his brother’s crib. When I walked into the room I felt my blood drain from my face . But I knew the next step, wheels needed to be removed from the cribs and loose slats had to be resealed. Frank cautioned me when he got home that our sons needed to be put into twin beds. I laid awake most of that night dreading the loss of cribs sides and what that would mean to my sanity.

What an amazing women. We were fortunate to have known such a kind and caring person. We have fond memories of her while visiting her in Penn Yan. She gave us a tour of the town and then we stopped and picked up her famous chicken. I enjoyed sitting in the sunroom and reading to her. Walking around the property with her and her dog.

We were so lucky to have her here in Washington State for a short time.

She will truly be missed by myself, my husband John and our daughter Tania.

Out deepest condolences to the family's

I have many fond memories of Elinor Emmick. Conversations with her were always interesting and enlightening. She once told me that 'There is never enough time - I could never be bored.' What a great way to approach life. My condolences to all of her family.

I have so many amazing memories of Grandmother, I don’t know where to start. I remember when I first drove up to her summer place, smelling the wild roses and amazed by mounds of wild wisteria, wondering if her driveway would ever end. I remember her graciousness when we met. I remember campfires on the beach and campfires in the fireplace. Croquet and walks to the mailbox. Riding shotgun with her driving her go kart. Grandmother was always happy to see us when we came to visit. Even when we’d come up late on a Friday, sleep through Saturday, eat a fabulous meal she and Van cooked, and leave again for Residency. I remember what a good friend she was, and our time together taking care of Van. I remember the stories she told about her past, her active life, and her faith in God. And when her youngest Great-Grandchildren were born (when she was ninety-something years young) she enjoyed their energy, and encouraged them to call her DeeDee, which is all they could pronounce. They have wonderful memories of her, and the house with the “floating decks,” “secret passageways,” and the “ships wheel” (spinning wheel) on the staircase, so they could steer their imaginary ship wherever they wanted to go. I was gifted to know her, and blessed to be considered her granddaughter.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” Psalm 91:1.