So sorry, stuckinarut2.... It is maddening that after all your years of being nice, helping people, being known as someone reasonable, that the elders do the very thing they would DF someone for... "slander"
However, this proves they are "united." The same thing happened to our family.
Meanwhile, back to the real life.... it hurts... People who "knew" you are easily persuaded to fear you.
Want to get rid of a threat? Slander them. Best thing we can do? Act normal, smile, say "hi" and move on so that what the elders say has no basis. My husband does, and that works well.
We can only hope the crack in the "wall" widens, and more escape.
Regards, cha ching