Elan Hessler: ‘her bright smile was loved by all who knew her’

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Elan Marie Hessler
1974 – 2025

She lived her life with kindness, courage and grace

Elan Marie Hessler, 51, passed away peacefully on September 24, at her home in Lakeport, California. She is survived by her son, Jace Nya Mendes; partner, Justin Whitmire; parents, Tom and Karen Hessler; brother, Nya, sister-in-law, Heidi, and nephews, Liam, Kai and Koah.

Elan was born at her family home in Ettersburg, and spent most of her life in Humboldt County. As a child, she enthusiastically helped with whatever rural activity we were doing; from planting orchards, cutting and stacking firewood, burning brush, picking apples, and road maintenance. Her education was a mixture of attending the local schools and home study. She always enjoyed helping people in the varied careers that she chose through the years. After high school, she studied at Fredrick and Charles Beauty College, in Eureka, obtained a license to be a cosmetologist and enjoyed helping people look their best.

Later, she became a banker, specializing in mortgage loans for over 20 years, and helped many people obtain financial help to own a home. She felt this was important work, and the people she worked with appreciated her competence, reliability and guidance through this most important decision. Elan moved to Fortuna, and opened an office to be a consultant, and helped many people navigate the legal paperwork to obtain permits for timber harvest plans, lot line adjustments, parcel divisions, waterboard requirements, and cannabis permits. She was a member of the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce, and enjoyed participating in the local community events throughout the years.

Elan loved the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. Camping, boating, fishing, and gardening were some of her favorite activities. Her attitude was always optimistic and helpful, and her bright smile was loved by all who knew her. Elan, Jace and Justin moved to Lakeport several years ago, and she maintained close ties with her family and lifelong friends here in Humboldt County.