Elena Waite's Obituary
On May 28th, 1954 in Oakland CA a little angel named Elena Jean was born to loving parents Calvin and Jean Waite. Born w/ Down Syndrome, Elena excelled at everything she did in life. A social butterfly Elena loved everyone. Also her music, dancing, singing, traveling, watching sports and just living life itself. A few of her favorite songs growing up were ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’, ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘You Are My Sunshine’ and numerous other songs. She was truly everyone’s sunshine. In her early life Elena participated with the Special Olympics, swimming and was an avid bowler. Her proud smile on her face coming home from participating in events with medals and trophies proved that. Elena also loved watching the Oakland A’s with her proud parents, was a football fan of the San Francisco Forty Niners and would also attend horse racing with her parents. Her travels in life took her on a cruise to Hawaii and a riverboat ride on the Rogue River in Oregon, besides her frequent visits to San Francisco, many other states and visits with her loving family. A meticulous lady, Elena loved the latest fashions in clothes , shoes and jewelry. Elena was also meticulous with her room, which she liked to spend time in singing along with her favorite cds or radio, solving word puzzles and watching her tv. Being a very frugal lady, when sent a birthday or Christmas card with cash in it she would stash it in numerous places including a zip lock bag, a box or under her bed! If you were a lucky relative or friend of hers you might receive a birthday card with a dollar in it ! Elena had such a good memory she could tell you all of her relatives and friends names and birth dates , including their husbands and wives, their children and more. Elena loved her family very much and always asked about each one of them when visited. Her love of food included tacos, a taco salad , hamburgers and any dessert. In Elena’s recent years her life was taken over with dementia and most recently Alzheimer’s. Preceeded in death by her loving father Calvin (Cal) , in September 1987 and loving mother Jean in December 2002, our little angel surpassed longevity of life but ended on November 7, 2016 at her care home in Hayward CA. Elena will be missed by her loving family and friends but will always remain in each of our hearts. Her laughter, big smile and big heart will sorely be missed. When you see a butterfly fluttering around you, say hi- I’m sure it will be Elena visiting, spreading her love and joy to each and all. Rest easy little angel- although you are missed here on earth you are home safe in your Mom and Dad’s loving arms. For those of us still here on earth-be nice, embrace each other with love-It would make Elena happy! Until we meet again sweet angel❤️
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