Sue Hellerstein (Margolias) (1969)

So saddened with the news of Ellen's passing. I remember her a bright light of our class. 

James Pankow (1969)

Friends...

When Sandy let me know about Ellen, it was a very sad day, and every day going forward will be darker.   

Ellen was a super nice and kind person, and I know I am a far better person for having known her at Wingate. I am sure others know the same thing.    

I regret that those years at Wingate with Ellen and with all of you are now so far in the past.   

I miss Ellen.

I miss you all. 

Why didn't someone tells us to stop time back then?   

Not that the world then was so perfect, surely, but I remember my friends and favorite teachers (e.g., Jerry Tanklow. Mr. Michaels, Mrs. Salom) back then as nearly so, even a I hold pain for my own immaturity.

Much love and sadness from Portland, Oregon...

Jim

Anna Cooper (Rosenberg) (1969)

Ellen and I were not friendly in Winthrop or Wingate. We were casual aquaintances.  Dont know if we ever bumped into each other at Brooklyn College. We were, however, one of the first people to get to the hotel on our 40th reunion. She was with others and called me over right away- I was on my my own and she welcomed me with open arms and made me feel very comfortable- like we've been close all along. It felt great. I have a picture of us sitting together and laughing, We were not tied at the hip but did develope a nice rapport over the weekend. She was friendly and lively- to everyone. What a wonderful attribute. Sorry we had to wait  so long for me to see that side of her.  But we were in different circles in HS. We kept in touch by email but not by much.  I was thrilled when I saw her at the 50th reunion- still the same friendly, lively and down to earth person. She did tell me about her cancer but said she is in remission and is fine. Had a great attitude about it. 

Im so happy she did survive 911- dont know the story. Sure it is a good one and  great that she had the stamina! Is that where her cancer came from? 

My heart literally sank when I heard the news. I truly feel a loss. But that's what that type of person does to you! Close or not, Ellen will surely be thought of often and missed so very much. My sincerest condolances to the family, relatives and friends that did know her well. Im sure she leaves behind a phenomenal legacy. You are all lucky to have been part of her life  and I know she loved you as well! . Remember the good times, laughs, and all the joy she brought to you. Her smile says it all. 

Paul Zuckerman (1970)

Although Ellen and I grew up in the same neighborhood, going to the same schools and having the same friends, I didn't know her then, or, at least, I don't know if I did.  Our paths crossed around 2008, when I worked as an attorney for the Insurance Dept and she as an attorney for Aon, and we called Aon in for an investigation.  Somehow, we started talking about where we grew up and we realized that we had been in school before.  So, we became friends, going out to lunch, going to the reunion.  When I was retiring from the department-now the Dept of Financial Services-and she had left Aon, we commiserated about both having cancer and talked about going to do some sort of joint consulting but she was back in treatment and we never did.  It is so sad that she has left us.  She was lively, intelligent, dedicated.  May she rest in peace.

Renee Toback (1969)

I remember like it was yesterday, or maybe it was yesterday, sitting on Ellen’s porch on East 46 Street watching kids playing in the street, neighbors passing by.  Maybe Robin was there, or Rhonda, Lucille, Sandy, Ann, Marsha; it could have been Junior High or was it High School?  We were just hanging out, or perhaps we were having one of those deep philosophic discussions.  At some point, Ellen was probably trying to explain one of those untranslatable Yiddish expressions of hers. 

 I cannot remember when I met her.  She was just there through most of my school years.  We lost touch as is common when life gets busy and weeks pass, then months and years.  I’m glad that her life was good.  She always wanted to get married and raise children.  And she was happy doing it.  It is difficult to think of her as dead and gone because she lives in my memory. 

Richard Cohen (1969)

May her name be of blessed memory.  "זיכרונה לברכה‎"

Susan Weinberg (Hertzan) (1969)

So sorry to hear about Ellen. She was so sweet and always upbeat. Condolences to her family and those who remained close.

Craig Raucher (1969)

I was soory to learn of Ellens passing. I wnt to school with ther form PS 268 through Winthrop through Wingate

as most of us did . Very nice and decent person.

Esther Schwager (Edelsberg) (1969)

Reuben Shapiro (1969)

Ellen and I were childhood friends and along with Allen Reminick and Arthur Horowitz we experienced the 1950's and early 60's together. The birthday parties, the board games, those summer evenings sitting on the stoop waiting for the ice cream truck .As we became teens we found different avenues and moved on making new friends and growing into ourselves. I remember bumping into her at the 40th reunion and upon seeing me she burst into tears. I really believe that in that moment her past was touched off. The memories came flooding back of her parents, her brother Paul, the spirit of a neighborhood that has been gone for a long time, and her childhood. Ellen knew loss but she also lived a full life where she did everything right. She had a few careers and together with Tom she raised a family and built a life. She really did good. She impacted many. Elliot Baron who also lived on E46th once said that Ellen was at all of  our Bar Mitzvahs because she was the only girl we knew. True... but we all loved her.