I started working with Ellen in 1999.  Back then, our office was much smaller and even though ages, backgrounds and cultures varied the employees were a very tight unit.  We would eat lunch together daily and spend time together outside of work.  Ellen was the most generous person, always wanting to take her friends out for lunch or bring them a bowl of her delicious mazel ball soup.  Ellen was also friends with my mother, who was also her co-worker and this bonded our families.  
The story that comes to mind most when I think about my relationship with Ellen happened about 20 years ago when I was engaged to my now husband and his mother became fatally ill and hospitalized.  When it became clear that my MIL  would miss our regularly planned wedding    Ellen helped us with the plans to have a Jewish wedding at her hospital bedside.  Ellen personally provided me with the beautiful suit I wore that day.  Ellen was one of the very few people in attendance of my first wedding day but she also attended many more happy occasions in my life.  She also shared with me her pride and joy in all Dina accomplished and how much she loved her grandchildren.   I will truly miss her generosity, storytelling, sense of humor and spirit but she  will never be forgotten.   When I smell Shalimar perfume (same scent my grandmother wore) see Fuschia lipstick, or look through my old JCC cookbook and find Ellen’s Chicken Kiev recipe I will think fondly of Ellen and smile and feel lucky to have had her in my life.  

My mother works at the JCCGCI, and has worked there for a number of years. As a kid I would sometimes spend a lot of time there, particularly during one summer. I don't remember  why, but somehow I would often end up in Ellen's office, and she was always nice to me. Of all the people who I got to know that summer there's probably only one other person who I can clearly remember. One thing I remember (probably because it wasn't the usual) was when we went out for lunch to a restaurant, my mother, me, and Ellen (I don't think anyone else was there), and I remember it that she was taking us out.
I will always remember Ellen fondly.

"Ellen was a gem not to be duplicated."
May she rest in peace.
May all her loved ones be comforted, and  free of pain.

What a kind, down to earth, funny, sweet, gentle soul Ellen was. Having her and her wonderful family as close friends and neighbors for my entire childhood through my early twenties - I remember there was always laughter and the overall feeling of warmth coming from that house. Two doors down, as I rode my bike passed Ellen’s house, she’d be sitting on the porch and wave to me every time with a big smile. I was always welcome there. Some people leave an impression on your life just by being entirely themselves, and that is exactly what Ellen had done for me; just a kid from the neighborhood. You will be missed beyond words, Ellen - and my heart goes out to Dina and family. I love you guys tremendously. 

My loving cousin Ellen was a vital family lynchpin . she was always there with wisdom and never failed to lift the spirits of all who knew her with her kindness, humor and love. May her memory serve as  an everlasting blessing .

I am deeply saddened by Ellen's passing..
Ellen was truly a Woman of kindness and love, and I was fortunate to have her as a friend and neighbor for many, many years.
My most sincere, and deepest condolences to her beautiful daughter Dina, and her family..


Dearest Ellen always had a smile and a kind word for each and everyone. It was Ellen that made JCCGCI like a family .

Our condolences to the family 

Ellen has such a pleasant disposition.  She was very devoted to helping the senior citizens in every way possible.  Even though it was not always easy for her to walk, she never let it stop her.  Her fortitude and her positive attitude is something to really admire.  She added so much positivity to her surroundings.  

Ellen was truly a special person. She was filled with love and she will be missed. 

I am so thankful for the kindness Mrs. Ellen always showed me. I was honored to meet her when I was Mrs. Julie's intern at the JCC. I had the pleasure of keeping in touch with her once I finished my graduate studies.  Mrs. Ellen's hospitality was nothing short of amazing. As a southern girl, she made me feel right at home.  She trusted me enough to invite me to her a home a few times and of course I feel in love with the mirrors but most of all, I enjoyed being her guest and the stories she shared about her and her husband. She will be greatly missed and I am praying for her family and friends.

Ellen had a special soul, she always had a kind word to say. Her smile will always be remembered. We will miss her!

May her family and friends find comfort, 
wishing them all our heartfelt condolences.

Esther Friedman,
a part of the JCC Family

OBITUARY

Ellen Wollman

7 July, 1948 – 21 November, 2021

I. J. Morris Funeral Directors

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