We are sad to announce the passing of our sister, Elissa, in Arcata on May 30, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents Stephen and Mary Nesvold.

Elissa was a fun-loving, kind and intelligent woman who brought joy and happiness to everyone around her. She had an infectious smile and a knack for making everyone feel welcome.

Elissa graduated from Ferndale High School as the valedictorian in 1999. While attending Ferndale High she became very decorated in both athletics and academics. She then went on to Sonoma State University where she graduate with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in 2003 with honors Summa Cum Laude. Post graduation she attended Cal Poly Humboldt’s teaching credential program and afterwards she pursued her passion by substitute teaching at Ferndale High School before moving to administration at Cal Poly Humboldt.

While Elissa loved unicorns, white mochas, Taylor Swift and a good theme party, she loved spending time with her family above all else. Any opportunity to spend with her brothers and nieces filled her heart and she would take full advantage and travel distances to not miss those moments. She was a loving sister, devoted daughter and an even better aunt to her nieces.

When she wasn’t visiting family, Elissa enjoyed spending time with friends and her long time boyfriend Jason. They would attend various events such as comedy shows and concerts, and also enjoyed a night in watching movies and hang out with Jason’s children’s Cyrus and Alex.

There was nothing too small for Elissa to appreciate, whether it was getting her a coffee in the morning or just video chatting with her on a Sunday. She expressed her gratitude like no other, her excitement and enthusiasm was one of a kind and something people close to her will never forget.

She is survived by her siblings and father: Justin Mattly (Jessica), Chris Nesvold (Lea), Alex Nesvold (Melissa), Trevor Nesvold (Lea), nieces Skylar Mattly, Finley and Kary-Lynn Nesvold, Father Bill Mclaughlin (Jeanette).

A celebration of life will be held on:

August 3, 2024 at 11 a.m.
Ferndale Firemen’s Pavilion
100 Berding St
Ferndale California

Please wear something fun and colorful or anything: unicorn, crocs or Taylor Swift. She would have wanted a happy colorful event in her honor.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Elissa Henning’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.