By Lookout Staff

December 3, 2009 -- Services for Elinor Dawn Graham -- a Santa Monica social activist who used the performing arts to help foster change -- will be held at the Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill Street, on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Graham, who died November 22 at age 62, tried "to bring more love and justice into the world" through her work in music and theater, according to statement isssued by the church.

After moving to the LA area from Victoria British Columbia in 1960, Graham was a member of The Company Theater, The Provisional Theater, Public Works, and a founding member of the WIMS -- all of which provided a welcome venue for social and emotional issues through music and improvisation.

She joined the the Church in Ocean Park in 1976 and served as the director of music.

"She had the special gift of finding and igniting the music in each of us, and her range and profound connection to the music of people, of politics, and of the soul was inspirational," church officials said

Graham also worked as a bookkeeper at Folklore Music, McZand Herbal and the Norton Family Office.

"To those of us who knew and loved her, she was extraordinary: brave, passionate in her commitments, and fierce in her search for truth," church officials said. "Her curiosity and clarity of perception made her a wonderful teacher, friend and mother."

She is survived by her partner Renee, her son Tavish, and her sister and brother Gloria and Gordon.

Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to the Humane Society and The Church in Ocean Park.