I was sorry to hear of the recent passing of Vancouver singer/actress Lovie Eli.

Longtime friend Candus Churchill summed it up in her guestbook post: “I am so blessed to have shared a wonderful friendship with Lovie. We sang Gospel and performed together for many many years. But most of all we shared laughter, heartaches and dreams. She was such a beautiful soul, vibrant and caring. I’ll miss my dear Lovie forever but she will always be in my heart.”

A Celebration of Lovie’s life will be held at the Granville Island Stage in Vancouver August 29 at 8 p.m. Friends have set up an online account to help cover her medical expenses. Want to help? Please donate through your bank at [email protected].