One of the Valley’s Brightest Lights Winks Out – A Tribute to Ellen Carter
By Julie Horner
She called herself “just a down-home, small town girl who loves her community, works hard and loves even harder!” Our beautiful, talented, full-of-life, compassionate, and generous friend left the physical unexpectedly on Monday, April 24, 2017. Eleonore Marie Carter, resident of Mount Hermon, will be remembered for her passionate energy and contagious and raucous laugh. Up front and center with a ready hug and supportive word, she “took on life like a storm of flowers.”
“She was always so generous, with her laughter, her quick wit, and her unforgettable smile! She showed up, she participated in the community, and it seemed like she was always celebrating life. I loved seeing her at social events, listening to music with friends, and enjoying the good times. I think she made the most of life, which is quite an accomplishment. She will be surely missed here on earth, but we can take comfort in knowing her energy lives on! We love you Ellen.” – Tina Saso
“She was always supportive and proud of us as women on the music scene. She came to all our shows. You could always find Ellen in the crowd with that big beautiful smile she had. She wore it like a banner. She was so supportive, so encouraging, giving thanks for the little things.” – Alison Steele
“She was such a bright light in our little community and a good friend. She was a great supporter of me doing what I love to do and was always helpful when I saw her at mixers and events freely giving me little nuggets of advice. But, most of all, she was a kind human being and she will be missed. Shine on Ellen!” – Traci-lin Buntz
“Ellen was a friend to all in the SLV. The kind of friend who left you smiling and inspired every time folks where near her. Ellen always looked at the good side of everything in the world and it would rub off on anyone who crossed her path. Her passion and dream of creating affordable container homes to help folks in these expensive times shows the kind of heart and mindset Ellen had. A giving and sharing angel of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding areas who will live on in the hearts of everyone who’s ever crossed her path.” – Kevin Foster
“I met Ellen Carter through the Santa Cruz Mountain Business Girls. At one particular meeting, she was scheduled to make a presentation. This was a group for women entrepreneurs: if someone had a chance to speak, she generally used that opportunity to talk about her business. On this occasion, Ellen put on a neon-bright vest and hardhat. She spoke about CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and the importance of being prepared for local disasters and of volunteering and showing up for your neighbors. This is the way I will always remember Ellen, as a bright light…a big happy spirit…encouraging us all to shine.” – Wendy Ledger