We recently learned of the October 2014 death of Eleanor “Andi” Van der Voort. Andi was the founder and the heart & soul of the Right To Die movement in Hawai`i. She was the driving force behind the original Hawai`i Hemlock Society and later aligned herself with the Final Exit Network and the Euthanasia Research and Guidance Organization (ERGO).

Learning of Andi’s passing, her longtime friend and ally Derek Humphry wrote, “Between organizing meetings, lobbying at the legislature, or sitting at the bedside of dying members, Andi was a nonstop live-wire. You could always count on her. And her hospitality at home was famous.” Humphry founded the original Hemlock Society USA in 1980 and later, ERGO as well as authoring 14 books relating to the right to die.

Andi was a Registered Nurse and had been the Chief Medical Officer on the legendary USS Independence “back in the day.” Andi’s many accomplishments included being a loving wife and mother, a top Honolulu real estate broker, a professional clown, the president of the Hawai`i Hemlock Society, and being a longtime President and Minister with the Hawai`i Humanist Society. Andi was also a Charter Member of our organization, the Hawai`i Death With Dignity Society!

Aloha Andi! Like so many others you somehow encouraged and nurtured, we are standing on your shoulders.