Else C. Harlan passed away on March 5, 2017 at the Palace Renaissance in Miami just after her 96th birthday. She is survived by her 3 daughters- Lynnet McDermott from Santa Cruz, CA, Bambi Rae from Naples, Italy and Dashi Kocica from Miami- plus 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
She was born on March 1, 1921 in Syracuse, New York to German-born parents, Grete & Ferdinand Harslem. Her father was a German-trained "Braumeister" who shared his expertise in making authentic German beer in such far-flung destinations as Constantinople, Russia and Mexico.
Else's interests followed suit with her life-long fascination in international cultures and traditions. She grew up in Staten Island, New York, and from her early teens she demonstrated her independent nature by venturing alone into New York City. There she was free to absorb the excitement of a city bursting with diverse nationalities and cultures. Every time she took the Staten Island ferry to Battery Park, she would pass the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, reminders of the many immigrants who arrived daily in search of freedom and opportunity. She indulged her passion for the arts by attending concerts, theatre and dance performances and visiting museums.
After graduating from Curtis High School, Staten Island in 1938, she commuted to NYC to begin full-time ballet training. She studied with the illustrious Martha Graham, while taking courses part-time at New York University. However her promising ballet career was suddenly interrupted by a serious knee injury.
She continued her studies at the University of Minnesota, where she met her future husband, Jeffrey Chuan Chu, an engineering student from Tianjin, China, and they married in 1942. In 1943 she graduated with a B.A. in Anthropology, Music and Social Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Because of her husband's mobile career in computer science and management, the family moved from Philadelphia, to New Jersey, Chicago, and Boston. While dating, and after marrying a Chinese man, she encountered disapproval or discrimination from friends, sorority sisters, neighbors, community organizations, or landlords who would not rent them an apartment. But she never was deterred. She remained a pioneer in the changing face of race relations in the U.S.
In 1960, she earned a degree in Library Sciences from Drexel Institute, and worked at Bryn Mawr College, the College of Pharmacy and Sciences in Philadelphia, Brandeis University, and New College/USF in Sarasota, to name a few. Later in life, she made many trips to Europe, India and Japan. An interesting footnote to her global karma: Each of her 3 daughters also married internationally and lived abroad for periods of time- their husbands coming from Germany, England and Czech Republic.
Following her divorce in 1976, Else moved to Sarasota to care for her elderly parents. After trying out real estate, she embarked on a new career as a "full-time professional volunteer" working with her church, non-profit foundations and local agencies to enhance community outreach services for the poor, the homeless, seniors, and refugees from Asia.
She was a Docent of the Ringling Museum, ushered for the opera and symphony and worked tirelessly in many capacities at the First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota where she earned the reputation of being a "real doer-- a woman who translates words into deeds." In addition to singing in the church choir until the age of 84,
she helped update the church facilities, library, and choir robes.
Among her many capacities, Else served as President of the Presbyterian Women of the Church, Vice President for the Presbytery Women's Council, President of the Choir, a Ruling Elder and Deacon. She initiated the Good Shepard Policy, pairing active members with newcomers to quickly integrate them into church and community projects. And through her leadership as Chairman of the Golden Door Committee, the church started to sponsor refugee families from Laos and Afghanistan.
Else was instrumental in setting up the All Faith Food Bank, the Resurrection House, a homeless center, as well as the Third Street Rag, a second-hand shop which funded the Resurrection House and provided clothing, furniture and household items to the poor, the homeless and disaster victims. She also served as Chair and Board Member for the Center for Campus Ministry at Manatee Community College, and Chairman of the Millenium Fund.
In 1987 Else moved to Sunnyside Village, a Christian retirement community. She often mentioned how pleased she was to have chosen Sunnyside. During her 18 years there, she made many friends, and was sorry to leave them in her final year of life, when she moved to Miami to live near her youngest daughter.
We are fortunate to have known Else, a woman who lived by her ideals and touched so many lives. She has set the bar for all of us who knew her: her open-minded and full-hearted ability to embrace all of humanity as One, regardless of color, creed, religion, or station in life. She inspires all of us to become better persons.
May she rest in peace….
Those who wish to remember her may post their comments on her memorial website, http://www.riversidegordonmemorialchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, donations by check may be made to Sunnyside Foundation, 5201 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota FL 34232.
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