Call me Ellie

“Mrs. Brooks” is fine when we first meet.

How to approach

Knock, say your name, sit at her level. Speak to her right side.

Talk about

Books you're reading, gardening, her library Story Hour, Lake Superior

Comforts

Blue cardigan within reach. Ella Fitzgerald. Coffee with cream.

Please avoid

“Sweetie” or “honey.” Rushing her mornings. Loud TV.

A good day looks like

MorningWakes on her own. Coffee with cream by the window before conversation.
Mid-morningCrossword in pen. No hints, please.
LunchA table with people who like to talk.
AfternoonFresh air, her plants, then music.
EveningCall with Maggie, news at six, chamomile tea, a mystery. Lights out by ten.

Favorite things

Conversation: What you're reading · Duluth library Story Hour · Dancing with Walter · Stockholm trip
Activities: Crosswords · African violets · Folding napkins · Birdwatching
Music: Ella Fitzgerald · Duke Ellington · Big band · Sunday hymns
Food & drink: Strong coffee with cream · Lemon bars · Tomatoes with salt · No peas
Reading: Agatha Christie · Louise Penny · Large print is fine

Hear from Ellie

Ellie’s family chose to share these with care staff.

A little about me
Video · 1:48 · Shared by family
The story of how we met
Audio · 4:12 · Shared by family
The song that always makes me smile
Audio · 1:05 · Shared by family

Daily rhythm

Morning

Up ~7:30

Slow and quiet. Chooses her own clothes.

Midday

Most social

Lunch is her main meal. Enjoys company.

Afternoon

Gentle pace

Short rest, then music or a walk.

Evening

Winding down by 9

Lamp, not overhead light. Reading.

Helps her feel at ease

Explain what's happening before you do it
Let her do what she can herself
Give her a small job — she likes to help
If she seems low: Ella, and ask about Walter

Things to know

Hears best on her right side
Gets cold easily
May leave a loud room rather than say so
Ask before moving the photos on her windowsill

People & stories

Walter — My husband of 52 years
Maggie — Daughter · calls most evenings
David — Son · lives in Seattle
June — Great-granddaughter, age 3

Ran Saturday Story Hour at the Duluth Public Library for nearly 40 years. Bakes saffron buns for St. Lucia Day every December 13 — would love to be included in any holiday baking.

What matters to her

“Being asked, not told. Give me a job. And the Sunday hymns.”

Updated Oct 12, 2026 by Ellie’s family

↑ Back to top