Previous comments left on this page:
(4 days ago) Nancy Dirkzwager Spika said:
I am sorry to read today of the passing of your dad. Your family is in my prayers.
My family lived across the street from your family in the 60s. I have lots of good memories of your whole family from those days and enjoyed the two videos you did of your parents. I liked seeing the photos from the days we were neighbors and I babysat at your house often. I did not babysit Jay,( he took care of himself) but I took care of the other kids. We had lots of fun. I remember your new puppy, Madchen also. My Mom was good friends with Dofie and we have Dofie pottery in our house. I still live across the street from your house. Greetings to all of you. Nancy
(4 days ago) Tica Hanson RN said:
I was one of the nurses that took care of Dofie and Tait at Eaglecrest. I was there the evening that Dofie died. I remember Tait as a kind and considerate man. Together they made a whole person and couple. She was so well read, so kind, and still found humor in life even though she knew she was in her final days. Tait had a subtle sense of humor, and was so patient. He never tired of waiting on Dorothy, adjusting her feet, getting her a drink of water, reading to her when she was too tired. They were both always so gracious and thanked me repeatedly when I was simply doing my job. I know they both appreciated what you Alex and Jay did for them. Not sure they always remembered to thank you, but they told me. It was truly a joy to know them, and I too will miss them. It is comforting to know they are together out there in their next chapter. Their journey here was a great one.
(Sept 1, 2015) Jes James said:
Just wondering if the website will be updated to include a bit of information under the category "THE KIDS" . . . I would love to know a bit more about my cousins and their families . . .
(Aug 19, 2015) Jes James said:
I have not lived in USA since I came to UK to train as a nurse in 1973; I married an Englishman in 1977 and have four grown children and 12 grandchildren. My eldest daughter Marygrace Mann is friends with Joan Elder on Facebook and she told me of Aunt Dofie's death and sent me the link to this memorial website.
I guess I should have said that I am the second eldest daughter of Uncle Tait's older brother Kingsley Elder - the last time I managed to visit USA was for my dad's memorial service on 5th July 2008 - I would have loved to have been able to honor Aunt Dofie's memory at the weekend and Monday, but it was not something I was physically able to do. I considered making a phone call to Alex or Jay at the barbecue Sunday night but didn't manage to stay up long enough to make the call (here in UK I am seven hours ahead).
My sister Tait Powell also sent me the link to this website, but she too had medical reasons for being unable to celebrate Aunt Dofie's promotion to Glory with the family and friends. The pictures in The History brought back many memories - I remember Uncle Tait and Aunt Dofie as they were on your main photo . . . and reading the summary clarified things I had not quite realised earlier. It is so easy to lose track of people and places when many miles (and oceans) separate you.
My heart reaches out to all of my 'Tait Elder' cousins and my Uncle Tait at this time; my prayers are also with you all!
Jessie Custer Elder James (sent from my iPad in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England)
(Aug 16, 2015) Meggin Turk said:
I was blessed to know Mr and Mrs Elder when they lived @ Panorama! I was so sad when they moved away although being from Minnesota, I knew they were going to a place I call home. God speed and my condolences to the Elder family. Fly in Joy, Dofie!
(Aug 14, 2015) John Hessburg said:
Dear Tait, Jay, Liz, Bill, Alex & King:
I guess words fail to really measure up at a time like this; so all I can say is how blue I am feeling today, this whole week, after hearing from my Dad that such sadness came to a family we all have loved so much, for so long. It is a huge event, monumental, to lose a beloved parent, & that is why I will be coming to Roseville Monday evening... to honor the memory, the vivacity, the keen creative intelligence -- & the sheer drive -- of Dorothy Elder, my dear buddy's Mom. / I always thought her nickname of "Dofie" was cool 'n comfy, but I never dared use it, having been brought up in a ramrod strict German-Catholic family. Also, Tait was my dad's boss for many years, as they steered New Business Ventures Division at 3M. Tait was President & my Dad was Technical Director. / What I remember most about Dorothy was her savvy smirking smile -- it just radiated confidence & intelligence -- & the way she would always ask Jay's friends, us -- about school, sports, our current passions du jour. I always felt like somebody who mattered, in Jay's home, because Dorothy would show such curiosity about my guitar music, my family -- & she was genuinely interested in the tiniest of details. She would have been a great Sherlock-etta Holmes, because she could spot dissembling, or exaggerating, or any funny business in a mosquito's heartbeat. Nobody could tell a sea story & get away with it; for Jay's Mom would be on it in a flash ;) / On a few visits to Jay's house, she showed me her pottery room & how she shaped clay bowls, & I remember the look of sheer joy, almost like she was giving painless birth to a living thing; like that wet dripping clay was truly ALIVE in her strong & capable hands. Dorothy Elder never did anything in a half-hearted fashion; & she had a boundless zest for living. / So much of what I always appreciated in her kids -- Jay's clean-hearted good character & integrity, his wry ready wit, & Liz's breezy beauty -- came from his good Mom & Dad.
(Aug 10, 2015) George Beggs said:
I was saddened by the news about Dofie.
The few times I was with the two of you together she was kind to me and had a wonderful smile.
Mostly I remember her ceramics. We have two beautiful salad bowls that are prominent in our closet and are in constant use. This of course brings her to mind rather regularly. I imagine there must be many others who share this same kind of hands on bond with her. Now isn't that a great legacy. People skilled in the arts or crafts may be most blessed in these ways as they can bring beauty to families extended over time.
(Aug 10, 2015) Evvie Curry said:
I am very sad because she and I were close friends at the U of R. Since we were both singers, we were in all of the musical activities together. I am keeping Tait and your whole family in my prayers. I lost my husband of 66 years in 2012 and it is hard to go on without your life’s partner. God is good and trusting him is what helps. Love, Evvie
(Aug 9, 2015) Margaret Bridge said:
I feel so blessed to have known her...as a child (I remember vividly our visits to Palmerton and St. Paul over the early years), as a young adult when your dad and mom lived in Montclair and then Cedar Grove for a short time. It was so wonderful to have them so close those few years following my mom's death. And there were occasional visits when they returned to Minnesota, either there or on the east coast when their travels brought them here.
I have looked forward to my birthday every year only because I knew I would get a call from your mom and have a brief chance to catch up with her...and your dad who was always on the extension to hear what news there was from the Crawfords. I will miss those calls deeply, but I know every year I will think of her on my birthday, and on hers.
I loved your mom very much, Jay. She was very special to me and I know in my heart that she knew it. I take comfort in believing that she is once again with her first family, as well as with my dad and Tom. No doubt, she is giving my dad hell (as well he deserves) and my brother comfort. I can personally attest she was so able to provide good measure of both when warranted!
I think of your dad now, knowing how especially painful losing Dofie is and will be for him. I hope he will find peace and hold tight to the memory of her and their life together. It was special. Please give him a hug from me.
-Margaret C Bridge