Our community lost a towering pillar over the weekend.

Madeline Ehrlich, the quintessential citizen and activist, died.

Her stature cannot be doubted. The city’s flags have been lowered to half-mast.

Her large life will be celebrated on Sunday at 3 o’clock at the Vets Auditorium.

Aspiring and experienced activists would profit from studying and emulating her personality and her career.

Madeline was a rare activist:

She carved figurative trophy cases bulging with enviable accomplishments. Almost above all, she was good natured.

No doubt you can say that about one or two other activists on earth.

Barbara Honig, left, and Madeline Ehrlich

First time I met her, she pointed out that we held opposing positions. She was on the side of the angels and, uh, my side was dominated by the insufficiently enlightened.

We frequently sat a row apart at meetings, and she would gently chide.

Her timely emails were memorable.

Madeline – she never was Ms. Ehrlich — made a significant difference wherever she tread in Culver City because she dealt with the toughest people on both sides.

For all of her heartfelt work, Madeline spent more time beyond the radar than in the spotlight.

Few activists can make that boast. Madeline never did. Children were her life, and not because she served a term on the School Board starting in 1991.

Her soul and her sense of dedication to her causes were larger than the double presence she formed with her beloved activist husband Paul.

It seemed that every election cycle, School Board or City Council, the Ehrlichs comfortably hosted campaign receptions and Election Night parties.

Long after their children were grown, Madeline and Paul, hitting their stride in their 70s, took children into their home.

Whether teaming with Paul or flying solo, Madeline’s influence and impact may never be matched.