Elvera Hornung
Elvera (1928 â€" 2015) was never famous, and never had a husband* or children; but she lived a remarkable life, for it was people in need who became her children.
Armed with a Master's Degree in Social Work from UCLA, and a big heart, for more than 30 years Elvera worked in the nearby Veteran's Hospital.
There she took care of the many World War ll, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and from other emotional and physical limitations many of them endured.
But Elvera could relate to their limitations for despite her intense energy, she too had a physical limitation.
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From a childhood illness, Elvera had only limited and painful use of her left knee, which sharply hindered her ability to walk. But that never slowed her down.
Even after "retiring," Elvera counseled Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo) social work students, and was a volunteer psychotherapist at the San Luis Obispo Community Counseling Center.
She also served in volunteer executive positions in the local chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and the American Association of University Women.
And as a classical music lover, Elvera avidly volunteered at the San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center.
All the while, Elvera traveled the world and shared stories with her wide group of friends, telling them of her many observations, observations of an endlessly curious mind.
Elvera's story reminds us that whoever we are and despite our limitations, if we live with passion, we can make a wonderful difference in this world and live joyous and fulfilling lives.
Correction 5/1/17. Reader Sam noted: You wrote about Elvera Hornung and you stated in the article that Ms Hornung "never had a husband". You are incorrect and I ask in her memory to retract that statement.
She was in fact at one time Mrs Walther Liebenow until her divorce in the 80's.
I was a personal friend of hers since 1975 until her passing.
