News & Events

In Memoriam: Teresa Elders

Posted: 5/29/2018

It is with a sad heart that I report Teresa Elaine Elders, “Tee”, passed away on April 15, 2018, after a four and a half year battle against ovarian cancer. She was a bright light in this world and positively impacted all the people she met. I feel blessed to have known her. Tee lived life to the fullest and was so tough, she completed a triathlon with me in October 2017, just one week after a chemotherapy treatment. She was Commanding Officer of the USS Cape St. George (CG 71).  Attached is a photo of us at her change of command (in March 2017), and photos of her leading her Crew, which is how she wants to be remembered. She received the Legion of Merit award for her outstanding leadership of the Crew, and will be posthumously promoted to Captain.  Her memorial service was held on April 21, 2018 and was attended by classmates Brian Taddiken, Amy Brooks, Christie O’Connell, Frank Okata, and Peter Kim. Frank gave a moving eulogy at the service, as did Tee’s brother, Thomas Elders (’98). I was lucky to be able to spend time with her during her last days and she asked that donations be made to a charity called Nine Girls Ask, which is funding ovarian cancer research. She is survived by her husband, David McCue, daughter Rachel McCue, brother Thomas Elders, and mother Min Elders. Rest in peace dear Teresa, you will remain in our hearts forever. – Michelle (Baumbich) Gray

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