Born in Berlin in 1948 (November 29), Elke Meyer Titus passed away on November 12, 2022, at home in Savoy while receiving care from Carle Hospice. She had only recently returned to the area to be near several close friends, having spent many years living in New York City after graduating from the University of Illinois in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The daughter of Erich and Lydia Meyer, Elke grew up in Chicago, where her family had immigrated. She attended public school and excelled academically, earning a Certificate of Merit in 1966 from the National Merit Scholarship Program. In New York she worked for many years at the American offices of NHK Broadcasting, one of Japan’s largest television networks.

Paralyzed in a 1984 bicycle accident, she inspired all who knew her with her determination to live an active, independent life, driving herself to work in a specially equipped car and asking no assistance whatsoever in going about her daily business despite the difficulty imposed by her disability.

She leaves behind Peter, her husband of 50 years, and two beloved cats, Tillie and Max. She will be dearly missed by her many friends and loved ones.