Ellen Forsythe Chelava

Ellen Forsythe Chelava died January 9, 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina. She was born June 19, 1942 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to the late Katherine Dowling and Clyde Forsythe. She was predeceased by her first husband, Thomas Pollard, and her second husband, Victor Chelava. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Scott Chelava and Dawn Blasier of Largo, Florida, her sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Peter Fishburn of Racine, Wisconsin, and nieces Katherine Fishburn Miller and her husband Dan of Racine, Sally Fishburn and her wife, Susannah Morlock of Danville, Vermont, and Susan Fishburn and her husband, Steven DeLuca of Englewood, Florida.

After graduating from East McKeesport High School in 1960, Ellen attended the Boroughs Business School in Pittsburgh. She subsequently worked as an administrative assistant at Parker-Hannifin Corporation in Cleveland before moving in 1988 to Glendale, California where she became the office manager of a NatWest Bank in Los Angeles. In 1997 she moved to Greensboro, North Carolina where she worked for the West Market Street Methodist Church and later, at Replacements Limited. She retired in 2004.

Ellen was an active member of the Chardon, Ohio, United Church of Christ where she was a deacon. After moving to Greensboro she served as a deacon and elder at the Sedgefield Presbyterian Church. She had many friends and co-workers at her church as well as her “coffee girl” friends. She was a life-long friend of animals who was devoted to her pets. She was a loving, thoughtful and entertaining mother, sister and aunt who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A Service to Celebrate Ellen’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 18, 2020 at Sedgefield Presbyterian Church officiated by Pastor Kim Priddy. The family will receive friends following the service.

Contributions in Ellen’s memory can be made to Sedgefield Presbyterian Church 4216 Wayne Rd Greensboro NC 27407