Many thanks to everyone who attended Ella's memorial service, or sent their condolences.
The program for the service is available here.
Here are the texts of (most of) the speaker's remarks:
Denise Brown, director of the Montclair High School Dance Company where Ella danced all through High School, dedicated this year's performance to Ella - see the dedication in the program.
The Macalester Theatre and Dance Department Spring Concert Program also dedicated the performance to Ella, and donated proceeds to her fund.
Below are the words written by Raegan Sanders which I read at Ella's memorial service. They were thoughts that were shared by all of us at SMAPA and particularly by me, since I had spent so many years in various capacities being inspired by Ella's beauty, grace and love. As I concluded reading Raegan's words, I was inspired to say Ella is dancing with the angels, but probably choreographing them!
I hope the healing process is beginning though it will be a slow process. Please know I will always be here for you and your family.
As someone who taught her in the moving arts, Ella always seemed to me so light, as in sunlight. There was something about her that was lighter than air. She was bright, as if she was illuminated, but in an ethereal kind of way. She always seemed to be floating just a little bit off the ground. She was never anything but delightful and respectful, and when I say never, I mean never. She was always incredibly considerate and kind, and at the time I knew her, had a delicateness, or perhaps a vulnerability to her that was quite remarkable. It stands out to me now as I bring her back in my memories. She absolutely touched my heart with her tenderness and sensitivity, and was simply an incredibly beautiful and generous person. I am deeply saddened at the news of her untimely death, and I am so incredibly grateful that she touched my life for the time that she did. I will hold my memories of her as sacred. They are the gifts that she has left me. I send her parents, Judy and Ken, and her brother and Ella's spirit all my love.