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November 6, 1920-July 9, 2015
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Eleanor Grove Vasak, passed away, peacefully, on July 9, at Paradise Valley Estates in Fairfield, Calif. She was born and raised in Berwyn, Ill. Elly attended Morton Junior College and studied nursing at Northwestern University before meeting and marrying Otto Vasak, the love of her life. Soon after the wedding, Otto headed to England during World War II while Elly raised Nancy, their first child, by herself.
When WWII was over, the Vasaks welcomed son, Scott, followed by daughters Lacey and Debbie. Managing a family on the move became Elly's forte as they traveled to France, New Jersey, Iowa, and back to California. In 1964 Elly and Otto settled in Moraga. Along with her many domestic duties, Elly was active in the Moraga Historical Society, Friends of the Moraga Library, and Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church where she made many lifelong friends.
In 1997, Elly and Otto made their final move with Moraga friends to Paradise Valley Estates, a beautiful retirement community in Fairfield, Calif. A woman of wisdom, wit, and words, Elly joined a writers group and served as the Poet Laureate at Paradise Valley Estates. She published three poetry books over the years, each one reflecting a different stage of her life. Her poems were honest and funny, bringing smiles to the faces of friends and family.
Elly will continue to be an inspiration to family and friends alike. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Otto, and is survived by her sister, Marian, her children Nancy Clemens (husband Paul), Scott Vasak (wife Geri), Lacey Thayer (husband Rob), Debbie (husband Doug), grandchildren James, Stacy (husband Scott), Sean, Christina (husband Rudy), Mike, Ryan (wife Rachel), Doug (wife Sarah), Stephanie, Neal (fiancé Vita), and Emily, and five great grandchildren, Liliana, Doc, Jeff, Johnny, and Fenton. Her ashes will be interred with Otto's at the Dixon V.A. Cemetery. A memorial reception will be held in the Den at Laurel Creek Health Center from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. Memorial gifts in honor of Elly Vasak can be sent to the Moraga Historical Society.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA