On April 10, one of our dear volunteers and good friend, Elsie Akerson, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 85. As one of the founding members of the Assistance League of Southwest Washington, she was instrumental in building the organization from the ground up. She devoted her time to committees, programs, and events while forming many meaningful friendships along the way.
Elsie was born and raised in North Carolina and maintained a lifelong connection to the community there. For over 30 years she worked at The Columbian as an advertising executive, building friendships that meant so much to her. She loved her family and her garden. And she didn’t shy away from speaking her mind when she felt strongly about something.
“For more than 20 years, she lived with stage 4 lung cancer—something her doctors could only describe as extraordinary. They considered her a miracle, and we felt the same. She moved through those years with fierce determination, filling them with joy, curiosity, humor, and an unwavering love of life.
She loved the Assistance League community—its mission, its people, and the shared belief in serving children and shaping a better future. She was deeply thankful for the care, friendship, and dedication she felt from all of you,” ~ Elsie’s daughter.
Elsie always had a dry wit, an engaging smile, and a gleam in her eye. She will be dearly missed, leaving an Elsie-sized hole in our hearts.
