Elisabeth "Elly" Appel

Elisabeth ”Elly” Appel, 69, of Charlottesville, passed away on July 16, 2022. Elly was born on July 27, 1952, in Beverwijk, Holland, to Cornelis Appel and Johanna Maria Commandeur. Elly shared kindness, love, joy, and beautiful white light with everyone who crossed her path. Every breath she took exuded compassion and served to protect, respect, and embrace Mother Nature and all her creations. Tennis was her joy and blessing to share. Many would never know she had a professional career playing Center Court Wimbledon and the Grand Slams because her greatest joy was the time spent with her family, friends and the people she met all over the world – on and off the court– who will remember her forever. She loved her family dearly– in Holland and America – and we all feel her love so deeply in our hearts and souls. Join us in honoring Elly’s legacy to cherish the beautiful spirit within by one random act of kindness every day to yourself, a loved one or a stranger. Elly was preceded in death by Mama, Papa, and her brother Han & Martien who she is now reunited with in heaven. Elly is survived by and deeply missed by her wife Michele Madison; her sister and brother -- Joke & Peter van der Meij-Appel, Kees-Jan & Tineke Appel; her nieces and nephews – Chantal & Simon, Elles & Vincent, and godson Billy & Berber, Martine & Merwin, Annemarie and their children Mack, Bobby, Liv and Kick. The Madison family embraced her joyously from the first day they met her and is beyond grateful for 26 years of wonderful memories and love. Until we meet again, sweet angel. Your light and love shine on forever and ever inside us all. A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held on July 30, 2022 from 2-5pm at Unity of Charlottesville (2825 Hydraulic Road, Charlottesville, Virginia). Memorial contributions can be made in Elly’s name to the Women’s Initiative of Charlottesville (www.thewomensinitiative.org), an organization that provides women with counseling and social support regardless of ability to pay, or the Richard Krajicek Foundation (https://krajicek.nl), an organization that helps children in need and underserved communities in Holland to play tennis and other sports.