Remembering Louise “Ellie” Transwell

Louise “Ellie” Transwell passed away in March. She was a UK-native who moved to Hawaii in 2005. Prior to living in Hawaii Ellie started her nursing career in England in 1981, and worked as a travel nurse for 20 years. She specialized in cancer and palliative care. Ellie was an HTMC Resident around 2010. While she was at the clubhouse the upstairs was renovated and HTMC celebrated its centennial. 

Ellie founded LymphaCare Hawaii in 2020 to educate clinicians about lymphedema and help patients manage their symptoms. An RN for over 30 years with advanced training in oncology and hospice/palliative care, Ellie worked primarily with cancer and home-care patients. While treating patients with cancer, she encountered numerous individuals suffering from painful and debilitating symptoms of lymphedema as a side effect of their cancer treatment. This led to her interest in addressing what she saw as a serious gap in treating lymphedema effectively in her community and Hawaii as a whole. As a healer, Ellie was drawn to the “hands on” aspects of managing lymphedema symptoms, eventually becoming a licensed massage therapist and becoming a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (Lymphology Association of North America). She worked as a lymphedema therapist.

When she was not busy treating patients, giving presentations to raise awareness about lymphedema, or running a nonprofit, she was an avid hiker and enjoyed kayaking and sailing in Kaneohe Bay with her husband Gordon and two pups Mahina and Kona Girl. 

HTMC Member Keala Dominski was connected with Ellie over the years. She first met Ellie back when Ellie was a resident. Later Keala became a resident and Ellie used to stop by the clubhouse occasionally to have lunch. When she was first diagnosed with cancer, Keala spent time with her as a caregiver. At that point she was staying positive and was hopeful for remission.

HTMC Member Mike Algiers got to know Ellie when she was the clubhouse resident and he was the Clubhouse Maintenance Chair. He shared his memories of Ellie below.

My first impression was Ellie’s wonderful English accent. I expected her to break into songs from Marry Poppins to the Sound of Music (ala Julie Andrews). When Ellie became a clubhouse resident, she did a wonderful job with keeping the clubhouse and grounds immaculate. She was very welcoming to clubhouse guests and would take it upon herself to put up decorations for various holidays. She undertook numerous projects that included recycling, doing small repairs and painting and quirky things like raising earthworms.

When Jay Feldman and I would make our weekly visit to the clubhouse to tackle larger repair projects, when we were pau Ellie would often bring out beer and sandwiches to join us in the Hau Arbor and talk story, that was our reward. She got along wonderfully well with all the neighbors and seemed to know everybody. She took full advantage of the nearby beach and trails. She would sometimes hike up the TomTom Trail for exercise.

After she married Gordon and was living along the edge of Kaneohe Bay, I would see her occasionally when she would walk her dogs past Helen’s house and we would talk story. Some of the stories were about swimming in the bay and snorkeling around Coconut Island . . . When swimming one day she encountered a shark which seemed to be a bit too inquisitive, but in typical brave Ellie fashion she didn’t give up swimming, just became more watchful.

Unfortunately I hadn’t seen much of her in recent years because her time and energy became more filled with her non-profit. But I still have many fond and wonderful memories of her . . . and of that wonderful English accent. We will miss you Ellie!

Below are recent images and messages Ellie publicly shared on her LymphaCare Facebook page about her condition. 

November 25, 2024

Hello, friends,

I wanted to take a moment to apologize for my silence lately and to share something deeply personal. For those who may not know, I’ve been diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. After reflection and prayer, I’ve chosen to undergo modified palliative chemotherapy—not to cure the cancer, but to gain enough time to complete work I feel called to do.

I’m grateful for the possibility of a few more months and am channeling all my energy into creating something meaningful. My mission has always been to establish a system in Hawaii to help the public and clinicians detect early signs of lymphedema, where early intervention can truly change lives. I’m also finalizing online classes to train massage therapists as “Lymphedema Champions” and prepare them for certification courses we hope to build here. With limited time, this urgent mission is my top priority, and I am fully committed to seeing it through.

To those who can help immediately with funding, donations for LymphaCare Hawaii are being accepted throughout December, with the main giving day on December 3rd during the Give Big Hawaii campaign. Sponsored annually by Honolulu Magazine, this campaign offers a safe and effective way to support our 501(c)(3) nonprofit and contribute directly to our mission. You’ll also be receiving updates and materials from me to help you spread the word and ensure this fundraiser reaches the world, allowing as many people as possible to support our local mission.

I ask for your support—whether through encouragement, sharing this message, or connecting me with others who can help. Every effort makes a difference.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Please keep me in your thoughts as I dedicate my remaining time to this mission.

Aloha

Ellie

March 6, 2025

I wanted to share a quick health update. I’m currently back on hospice services and receiving the best care possible to keep me comfortable at home. My dear friend and nurse, Rachel Stewart is here with me, providing wonderful support.

Right now, I’m focusing on taking life quietly while also finishing up important work for Lymphedema Solutions LLC and LymphaCare Hawaii. Today is WLD (World Lymphedema Day) so let’s celebrate!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated—your generosity means so much and continues to support our mission.

Celebration of Life will be held on the afternoon of April 26 at the home of Carla Joaquin.