Ellen Cohen Leinoff

Ellen Judith Cohen Leinoff was born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 29, 1951, to Seena Kutchin Cohen and Rubin Cohen, both working in sales in New York. Ellen's brother, Alan, was born in 1955. Ellen lived with her family in Massapequa, New York until she moved to Ohio for college.

On her first day at The Ohio State University, September 27, 1969, Ellen met her beshert, Andrew ("Andy") Leinoff. She was a Freshman and he was a Junior. Ellen was able to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in only three years. Ellen and Andy were wed on August 19, 1973. Ultimately, they would be each other's love for almost 52 years and married for 47 years.

In 1973, the newlyweds moved to Florida, where Andy attend the University of Miami School of Law. While Andy pursued his law degree, Ellen taught Biology and Mathematics at Kendall Academy during the day, and worked at department store Jordan Marsh at night. Later, she became a teacher at what is now known as Palmer Trinity. Ellen always loved science and enjoyed teaching it to her students.

In 1978, Ellen and Andy welcomed their first child, Paul, and then four years later, their daughter, Alexis. After becoming a mother, Ellen continued to work part-time at Opus Art Gallery. She developed an appreciation and sharp eye for fantastic art. In 1988, the arrival of a third child, Max, lovingly called "the caboose," completed the family of five.

After spending many family vacations in Maine, in 1994, Ellen and Andy decided to buy a house in Kennebunkport which overlooked the Atlantic on one side and a nature preserve on the other. This became Ellen's happy place. Over the years, she renovated and extended this house to create a spectacular hub where her family would be able to spend joyful time together for generations to come.

Ellen's brilliant vision and impeccable taste always brought elegance to every space in her orbit. While raising her three children, she also brought her creativity to the craft of jewelry making and in 1996, created Lickspittles, Inc., a small business selling exotic skin belts, wallets and handbags.

Always surrounded by multiple dogs, Ellen's most beloved were her Australian Shepherds. In 2012, Ellen became involved in dog showing and later breeding her dogs. In 2013, her most prized Australian Shepherd, Clue, won the AKC's 'Herding Group,' and then won 'Best of Breed' at the Eukanuba National Championship. Ellen's next happiest place was wherever Clue was by her side.

Dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Ellen is survived by her loving husband, Andy Leinoff; her devoted children, Paul (along with his wife, Zoe, and their children, Asher, Spencer and Charlotte), Max (along with his wife, Katy), and Alexis; her brother, Alan Cohen (along with his daughter, Sally); and her adored dogs, Clue, Gracie, and Decker.

The funeral service will be held at Temple Beth Am (5950 S.W. 88th Street, Pinecrest, FL 33156) at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, 2021 (livestream: https://www.tbam.org/ellenleinoff), followed by an interment at Mount Nebo Memorial Gardens, 5900 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33143. Shiva will begin following the interment at approximately 4 p.m. at the Leinoffs' home (5455 Kerwood Oaks Drive, Coral Gables FL 33156).

For additional questions, please call Cathy Newman at (305) 772-7509.

If anyone would like to send a Shiva platter, Cathy has made arrangements at Joanna's Market (8247 S. Dixie Highway, Miami FL 33143, (305) 661-5777, open Tues. through Sun., 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mon.)

In lieu of flowers, please support one of Ellen's favorite charities with contributions to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Cardiovascular Fund and Arrhythmia Research Fund, earmarked for research by Raul Mitrani, M.D. and Eduardo DeMarchena, M.D.