Dear Chris, Pam, Mal, Naomi, Darren, Ashley, Deb, Brad, Steph,Jim, Jean, Caroline and Shane. 
 
I tried to find the e-mail I referred to at Elise's Thanksgiving Service, but I couldn't, though 
as I sifted through my deleted e-mails I found this one which had a similar ending but a 
different content which I thought is very applicable.   And Elise's response was the same as I 
was referring to at the Thanksgiving Service. 
I know with confidence that God  had a Reason, Season, and a Lifetime purpose for  Elise 
and we have all been blessed no matter which part she had in our lives.
Love
Shevy
 


    

        

            

            
 Subject: Fw: The people in our lives
            
 
            
 
            
I am sending this to you to see how many actually read their email :-)
            
 
            
Your response will be interesting, so pay attention to what you read.
            
 
            
After you have finished reading it, you will know the reason it was sent  to you!
            
 
            
So here goes:
            
 
            
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
            
 
            
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person .
            
 
            
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need
            
you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to
            
provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally
            
or spiritually. They may seem like a Godsend and they are. They are there
            
for the reason you need them to be.
            
 
            
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
            
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
            
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and
            
force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been
            
met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has
            
been answered and now it is time to move on.
            
 
            
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come
            
to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make
            
you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually
            
give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real.  But only
            
for a season!
            
 
            
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build
            
upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept
            
the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all
            
other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind
            
but friendship is clairvoyant.
            
 
            
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a
            
season or a lifetime.
            
        
    


******
Chris, 
Mal, Pam, Nay, Daz, Ash, Deb, Brad, Steph, 
Jim, Jean, Caroline, Shane 
& Elise’s wider family,
We are hurting for you all and are praying for you at this time, and are here for you whatever  
you need. Elise is very special and we thank God for her – she has been such a blessing in our 
lives. It has been an absolute delight to have known her as friends. We will treasure every 
memory and will miss her until we meet again. Thank you for your important part in Elise’s 
beautiful life while she was with us. 
God bless you and keep you. 
Love, Nerida (Ned) and Lach



Elise
We never saw her gorgeous blonde hair out of place
Or an accessary which did not match. 
But beyond the beautiful exterior was a woman of God 
Who never desired to be on show 
Yet shone nevertheless from her beautiful soul.

Looking into people’s hearts 
And loving them with her own 
Elise respected and accepted others with warmth and a smile 
Ever encouraging with heartfelt words 
And constantly cheering with thoughtful acts. 
A loyal and dependable friend 

Elise was ready to listen and to empathise 
To share pain and heartache, or excitement and laughs 
To see good and to defend 
To counsel and to care. 
Often mischievous but always good-natured



 
 
 

 
 
 

The random and ridiculous were her delight. 
Silliness brought happiness, and Elise shared her antics all around 
And Tibetan yaks taste great in the Siberian summertime 
But only if topped with melted cheese and a purple pickle named Pete.



With her beautiful creative imagination 
She wrapped and adorned every gift with enthusiasm. 
Elise could create a room full of colour and fun, elegance and charm 
Or any ambience desired 
Bringing joy to many with her eye for beauty.
An answered prayer brought the gift of music 
With which Elise praised the Lord and blessed the church 
Caressing the keys with zeal and a masterful touch 
Singing with passion and a pure voice 
And sharing her talent with grace.
God called Elise to lead his people in worship 
And faithfully she followed 
Exemplifying discipleship along with musicianship 
And teaching unity above musical harmony. 
Her whole life is a song unto the Lord.
Elise was clothed in genuine humility 
And living generously for others 
She may not have known how many lives she touched. 
Yet her servant’s heart quietly blessed us all 
And will be treasured always.
She knows now her worth in the sight of Yahweh 
And remains in his loving care 
Where we will join her one glorious day 
To love and worship forevermore 
In the throne room at Daddy’s feet.


See you later, Lisey – hope you’re having a fantasmagorical time!
Nerida







********
to all of Elise's many family and friends,

 
 
 
 
I have known Elise for as long as I can remember, and I have always had such a tremendous 
amount of respect for her. Her gorgeous smile and laugh was matched only by the beauty of 
her heart. Her passion to worship God and her talent to do that through music was incredible. 
She was instrumental in developing MBC's evening worship services into what they are today, 
and they are her legacy. I am convinced Elise achieved on earth what she was sent here to do, 
and so our Father called her home. But I'm sure she was more influential in her short time here 
than she ever realised...
Elise was full of smiles and laughs and love. I have many fond memories of her cheeky nature, 
among other things and she is now smiling and laughing in eternal paradise, doing what she loved 
to do on earth, waiting for us to join her.
But it is still painful to say good-bye, and my heart aches for those of you who will miss her 
most. But just as your hearts ache, so to does the heart of our Father in Heaven ache to see you 
all in such pain. Lean on Him now for comfort; be assured you are covered in prayer and 
surrounded by support.
thinking of and praying for you all, Jo Noy.
*******

To Chris and family,
We are so sad to hear about Elise, such a loss to all you guys at MBC,
yet somehow God will surely continue to use what she has achieved for
His glory and honour.
Memories of Elise include marvelling at her musical talents and pure
passion she had for God, people and the ministry in which she was
called. I (Kerry) will never forget the great times on Sunday night’s in
which Elise had such and impact on the youth and me personally as a
young Christian and truly thank God that I had the privilege of knowing
her even for the short time that I did.
Our prayers are with the whole family at this time…. What an inspiration
and legacy she has left…. never to be forgotten.
Michael & Kerry (nee Thompson) Schroder




*****
Dear Chris, Mal, Pam, Naomi, Darren, Ash, Deb, Brad and Steph,
Words cannot express how all of you must be feeling at this time. I, myself
feel saddened at the sudden passing away of a beautiful friend, a true
inspiration and light bearer of Jesus' Name. Her worship leading at MBC and
encouragement played a significant part in my life in my walk with the
Lord. Even though I know she will be at Daddy's Feet in His throne room
surrounded by His angels, it still doesn't make it any easier for us
missing her so dearly on this earth. I am praying for all of you through
this time, and pray that the love of the Lord will surround you, cover you
and strengthen you through this time.
My thoughts, prayers and love will always be there for you.
Rob and Zoe Bosgraaf

******
To all of Elise's family, my heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you all
at this time. I can't begin to imagine what you are feeling but I pray that
God will just fill you up with hope and love at this time and you can lean
on Him knowing that He has Elise with Him in Heaven and this isn't good-bye.
Over the years I have had the privilege of knowing Elise both at church and
at work. She carried with her the same amazing attitude at both places.
Staff and customers alike loved Elise and her joyful attitude, willingness
to serve others catching smile and her daily jokes. As part of the worship
team she inspired us all to worship God with all ourselves and encouraged us
to use our talents in amazing ways. Elise, I will miss you dearly, You have
inspired me and impacted my life more than I ever let you know. 
Thankyou, Heather 
******

Chris,
Mate words can't express to how we are feeling,at the loss of your best
friend and wife Lisey. Growing up with the both of you in my life and having
you both as fantastic friends.. what more could l have asked for, we sure
did have some great times.I thank God that l had Lisey as a very special
friend. I will never forget Lisey's humour or her smile. She was only here
for a short time but God surely used her during her time here. I will truly
miss her but hold a special spot in my heart for her. Oh and l have plenty
of great memories of her to bring a smile to my face. We are here for you
Mate. Praying for you at his hard time.
Nay, Daz, Ash, Stef, Deb and Brad,
I am sorry at the loss of your sister, aunty and Sister in law, praying for you all
at this hard time. What a blessing Lisey was to you all. we certainly had some good
times with her and her cheekiness.
Mal and Pam,
Being  parent's ourselves l now understand the love you have for your children, but
l can' t even imagine to think to how you are feeling at losing her. But l can say
she was a beautiful women and a real blessing to all of us. May God be with you at
this time, praying for you all.
Jim and Jean,
Praying for you too as you help Chris thru this hard time. He is really blessed to
have parents like you to help him thru this time. God bless you both
Can't wait to see Elise in Heaven leading the choir up there!
Love Renee, Nige, Nathan and Tahlia Murden
*****
to Chris Kelly
Im so sorry for your loss Elise was a great friend to us all, when we needed a lift
up in looking for God she was there, so were you Chris and I still would like to be
your friend Chris because I think you're great to be around as a good friend.
Your friend Chris Williamson
*******

Elise, she delights to be in the presence of her Lord singing His praises,and wearing a
golden crown.  She longs for her family to follow her.  Susan Chambers
******
Dear Chris Mal Pam DK Naomi Brad Deb and Stef                
Seventeen years ago I learned not to ask God why but rather receive assurance from
Him that what happened was in His will and perfect plan.God gave me peace 4 hours
after my best mate Brad drowned beside me when I picked up his walkman and found
that the last words he had listened to were "today you will join me in paradise"-I
couldnt argue with that and soon after I had a vision of Brad with a huge smile and
radiant face which kept me going through the tough weeks ahead.I am praying that
God, and Im sure He already has , will give you all full assurance as you struggle
through the tough weeks ahead.                
I have been so blessed to work with Elise as a sound guy since she injected herself
into the music ministry many years ago and brought the evening service to life.It
has given so many people an avenue to worship God in a natural way.Ill really miss
her.                                        
You guys are really great     Love Dave Rickard 

******
Chris... Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you.  Elise was such a
beautiful, gifted young woman of God. We pray that as she is with Jesus now,
you too will feel God's presence close to you.    Matt and Fiona Edwards

******


I just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with Chris, Deb, Brad, Steph, Darren and
Naomi and any other family members I may have forgotten.  When I found out that Elise had 
passed away I was shattered.  Elise was a person who changed my life forever and I will 
miss her deeply.  She put others before her own and really easy to get along with. God bless i
n this hard time - the church family is behind you in prayer and support.  Dean Marsham

*****

What can we say?  Our love and prayers surround you all.  Our loving God gives and He 
takes away.  He gave us 30 beautiful years with Elise here on earth, and she has blessed us 
all with her passion and servant heart through worship and song, and now He has taken her 
away to be with Him in glory forever - now singing with a host of angels.   
love Wendy, Eric & Jen
*****
Elise was praise and worship in song. In 1995 when I and my four teenage
children came to MBC, she was young and shy but, from the piano, she
inspired us all to lift our hearts to God. Sunday evenings were the
highlight of our week.

In 1998, Lisey joined our Hoogies Family and won her way into the hearts of
staff and customers alike. It was sad to farewell her in 2005, but who could
deny where her true calling lay?

Elise's legacy will survive her and she lives on in our hearts.

Frank Hoogenraad

*******


Naomi, I am thinking of you at this time. I am so sorry. Love Goya.
*******
Dear Naomi, Darren and family
 I heard the terrible news about the death of Elise and just wanted to
tell you that my thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

Love Janae Houghton, Reporter, 
Whittlesea Weekly Newspaper, Fairfax Community Newspapers
 *******
My thoughts and prayers are with her family - Elise was a beautiful girl and to me she 
had such a servant heart.  We often laughed together at how quickly the Carol Service 
came around, but she was always more than willing to help out - she will be sadly missed.  
Deb Hunt LMC

*****
Your entire church family is constantly lifting you up in prayer, sharing in a tiny way your 
grief, but also looking forward with you in hope.  Elise's kind, gentle heart, her humility 
and her genuine servant attitude continue to glorify her Father and greatly bless each of us
... Praying heaps for you guys,  Andrew, Sally, James and Timothy  - 2 Thess 2: 16, 17

*****

Dear Chris, I cannot imagine what you are going through, but I trust God draws near to the 
broken hearted.  You are surrounded by your church family with prayers, love, thoughts and 
SUPPORT.  We as a church family will do the best we can  to support you as God would have 
us.  
Elise is forever in our hearts and do you know what....Sunday nights message...holiness....Elise

Dear Pam and Malcolm...Our thoughts...prayers...tears...are with you...May God fill this void in 
your hearts and being....your firstborn...your beautiful Elise....now at singing her heart out 
with angels....
Dear Nay, Deb, Steph, DK, Ash,and Brad, I cannot imagine this void mixed with joy knowing 

 
 
 
 

Elise is with her Father in heaven...wow...man it hurts though doesn't it...but she will always 
be your beautiful oldest sister,, sister-in-law and auntie to six beautiful amazingly Godly 
people.. She touched us all and will always be an inspiration.  May you all draw near to God 
as He draws near to you.... Our thoughts... prayers...love and support are with EACH one of 
you....Gods Peace....Andrew, Lynda, Rachael, Katie, Melanie and Charlotte