MAYCELLE MARIE (BIGGS) ELLIOTT a longtime resident of Hayward and Walnut Creek, passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2005. She was born in Moffat, Colorado, on April 25, 1921. Moffat was a very small town where family, friends, church and nature formed the structure of your life. Her sense of beauty, devotion to friends and family and her love of animals were born in this small community in the Rocky Mountains. It was also here where she met her husband of 62 years, Henry Burton Elliott of Oakland, Calif. Burt was stationed there during World War II. They married and moved to Oakland after the war. Maycelle and Burt raised 3 children in Hayward: Don, who preceded her in death, Ken and Marlis. She balanced family with career and was employed as a secretary for 35 years with Alameda County, first with the Health Department and later with the School Department. When she retired, she was secretary for the Alameda County Superintendent of Schools. She loved her career and the many friends she worked and played cards with. She enjoyed volunteer work with Pros for Kids, a drug education program started by former San Francisco 49ers. Maycelle was witty, feisty and the most caring, giving and loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to all she encountered. To many, she was considered a second mom. In retirement, she enjoyed nothing more than shopping. All she ever wanted to do was to give to someone else. She also enjoyed knitting and created beautiful afghans and sweaters. After moving to Rossmoor in 1995 she became a well known member of the community and was known as Andy's mom. She enjoyed taking him on long walks and visiting with all their friends. She met many of her dear friends on these walks, rain or shine. Maycelle is survived by her husband, Burt, loving son Ken and his wife, Sandy, all of Fremont, her loving daughter Marlis of Pleasanton, dear grandchildren Heather and Sean, and dear niece Sharon Thero of Arizona. A special thank you is extended to Jay Stephens of Pleasanton for her love and support during this very difficult time. A day will not pass without you on our minds we love you. A celebration of life will be held at The Gateway Fireside Room, 1001 Golden Rain Rd., Rossmoor (Walnut Creek), on Friday, July 1, from noon to 3 p.m. The gate attendant will provide additional directions upon arrival. You may make a donation in her name to either the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, 800-227-2345, or to Tony LaRussa Animal Rescue Foundation, www.arfnet., P.O. Box 30215, Walnut Creek, CA 94598.

Alameda Times-Star 6/28/05.