In Loving Memory of MATHESON,
Elana Van Huizen Dec 8, 1974 - Aug 17, 2013. Elana never let any obstacles stop her. She didn't accept the words "can't" and "no". Elana was a dreamer and believed that anything was possible, despite her severe physical disablity. Born with Arthrogryposis and confined to a motorized wheelchair for much of her life didn't really slow her down at all. Whatever Elana could do, she did. Whenever anybody told her that she couldn't or shouldn't try something, it only motivated her to prove them all wrong. Elana was a truly passionate person who approached everything with a fierce determination. That same energy carried over into her Christian life as well. She had the heart of Jesus and her thirst for God was always honest, raw, and unbending.
Elana loved life and she touched & blessed many, many people in her 38 years. Elana was only a short time on earth but she had a fulfilled life. Through it all, she was a devoted mother, wife, daughter & teacher. For the last 4 years, Elana suffered from an auto-immune disorder (Lupus) and, in the end, she lost that battle. Elana is survived by her husband, Neil and a four year-old son, Jake. She is also survived by her mother (Alice Van Huizen), three brothers and a sister.
Elana was an amazing woman and Heaven has gained a wonderful angel.