Eloise English was a CFOI Board member, and perhaps a friend to you. She went home to eternity last month, and her memorial service will be on her 94th birthday, April 1st.
Here are some words about Eloise, shared by Tanya Cothran, a current CFOI Board member:
“I only met Eloise a few times in my life, and each time she left a big impression on me. It is as if our meeting was a hug and when we parted I took the feeling of a hug with me for the rest of the day.
Our relationship was one of those blessings of CFO camps; she is my grandmother’s age and yet we met as friends and equals. I remember one meeting in particular, perhaps the only time we met outside of CFOI meetings or at C/JFO camps, when I took her to lunch. I was visiting California and was in the Marin area, and so I took the opportunity to hear some of her stories. There was nothing special about the restaurant and I have no recollection of what I ordered. I only barely remember any of her stories. What stands out is her kindness, her way of listening that invited me to share my stories, and her gratitude for the simple gesture of a shared meal.
One story Eloise told me that day was about her visit to various countries to see the work of the non-profit World Neighbors. She had been thrilled to see what people in Latin America and India (I think those are the locations) were learning and implementing for themselves. She saw that people had a desire and ability for self-sufficiency, in spite of their current state of poverty. That belief in others, and the excitement of seeing positive change, brightened her eyes.
I’m sure many more people will share about Eloise at her life celebration next week; people who knew her much better and for much longer than did. But even I, who was with her a handful of weeks over the years, can affirm the God-Light in Eloise, which she allowed to shine out to others.”
Feel free to share your memories in comment to this blog.
You are invited to the service, if you are able to attend. You can also send greetings to: Family of Eloise English c/o Gayle Schildt, 23245 Ramal Rd., Sonoma, CA 95476
