When I began my journey at Calais in the eighth grade during the Fall of two-thousand-seventeen, Miss Reich instantly made me feel like family — each time I saw her was always filled with laughter and happiness. I felt the need to write a condolence on here since I got word of her passing but did not realize her obituary was on here. I can only hope her family finds peace during this devastating and unexpected time.

Tony Spirito
The Calais School '22

I remember the first day I came to Calais, I met you and you were a very kind teacher. I was in your class during my first year in 12+ and you were one of my favorite teachers. You were a very compassionate and supportive person, and truly loved your students. I will never forget the time I saw you when you visited me at work to order a salad and it made me very happy. Little did I know that it would be the very last time I saw you. I will truly miss you and rest in peace Mrs. Reich ❤️

Ms. Reich was my son's teacher at The Calais School in Whippany. She was caring and kind to my son Gabriel when he was going through a difficult time.  She was deeply empathetic and will be missed. My condolences to her family.

Ellen and I were friends at The Calais School. From the moment she entered Calais, her positive energy was felt. She was passionate about serving out students, and we shared so many beautiful moments together. She loved to share interesting facts about her family and I loved her sense of humor and dedication to both her students at Calais and her family. I will miss her terribly. I pray for the entire family. I hope that you will be able to remember the good times and love that Ellen gave all of us.

David and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in the memories you hold close to your heart. David, As I told you once during our work day your Mom was so lovely. I only got to meet her once in the lunch room and she talked about how proud she was of you and that you both work for The Calais School. I told her at the time I did not know she had a son working at Calais since I was with the younger students downstairs when I first started and she said he works on the second floor with the high school students and not to long after did I get transferred to be the para for Yadira who had you for math. Well, needless to say I only met your mom once and I knew she was a beautiful person inside and out.  Stay well. Love, Lisa Galli

Ellen became a good friend several years ago.  We met, appropriately, thru our dogs. We shared stories of our lives and had terrific impromptu visits with Lexi and Brinkley.  We mourned together when our dogs passed.  Ellen had the best sense of humor and was full of life.  I will truly miss her.  My condolences to Michael, Adam and David.

To the Reich Family:
I was friendly with Ellen at Riker Hill School and Temple Emanuel Livingston. I saw her a while back  and we caught up about our children. Actually, we lived on the same street!  My condolences to your family.

Ellen was passionate about life! This passion was evident as she touched the lives of her students, parents, and staff at The Calais School.  Flexibility was her strength.  She was able to change assignments and help out wherever she was needed. Her empathy for the Calais parents was clear as she volunteered her time in the evenings to attend PTO meetings. Ellen would frequently stop by my office and share her thoughts about new opportunities that would be helpful for students, parents and staff. She must have been thinking all night about how we could provide the best services at Calais. When I spoke to her recently, she was attempting to make me laugh despite her failing health. She will be greatly missed. Condolences to her husband, son, and other family members.
Sincerely, Diane Manno

I am so sorry to hear the news of Ellen’s passing. I worked with Ellen at the Calais School and I will miss her kindness, encouragement, and humor. It was an honor to know her.  

I am praying for David and the rest of the family. May you receive the comfort and healing you need. Her legacy of love and service to others will live on through you.

It was an honor to work with Ellen at The Calais School. I had the privilege to share many laughs with Ellen and had many days brightened by her kind personality, humor, and encouragement. We will all miss her dearly. My deepest condolences to the Reich family.

Ellen was a great friend and co worker. We stared working at the Calais school at around the same time and developed a nice friendship. She was kind, helpful and compassionate. I will miss her so dearly. May her soul rest in peace 🙏

Ellen was an invaluable means of support and guidance during my first year and Calais, and throughout.  She was an energetic and positive individual who could always be counted upon to uplift you and brighten your day.  I will deeply cherish and miss our time together.  She is greatly missed.  My sincerest condolences!

I had the pleasure of working with Ellen at The Calais School for many years.  Ellen was an enthusiastic, dedicated teacher who had a heart of gold.  She and her family were always willing to help and supported The Calais Foundation in many ways.  My deepest condolences to Michael, David, and the entire Reich family.  Ellen will truly be missed.

To David and family, you guys have my sincere condolences. May the lord cover and keep you all. Mrs. Reich was a beautiful soul and person here at the Calais school. She was one who would help in any capacity. She will truly be missed. ( hugs and prayers).

Ms. Watson

I had the pleasure of sharing a room next to Ellen and we chatted in the mornings.  She would share funny stories about her Michael or her boys and she always made me laugh.  Ellen had a beautiful energy, an incredible gift for working and caring for her students and a huge heart.  She will be missed.  Much love to her family during this difficult time.

Ellen will be so missed. She was a wonderful teacher who had a remarkable ability to connect with students and their families. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

I had the pleasure of working with Ellen at the Calais School.  She was one of the first people to make me feel welcome and one of the first friends I made when I started.  Ellen was a dedicated teacher, and well loved by staff and students.  She is loved and will be missed.

I had the pleasure of working with Ellen for many years. Her care and dedication to her students and their families were evident. She always offered her help when needed and I fondly remember having many laughs when sharing about our families and the Jets. My condolences go out to David, my classroom neighbor, and his family during these difficult times.

I have had the honor and privilege of working with Ellen at the Calais School. She was beloved by both staff and students, as her kindness and sense of humor made her classroom a safe, fun and welcoming  learning environment. She will be greatly missed.  I was also very fortunate to have worked with her son, David, who, like his mother, was an accomplished and respected educator in his own right.  My deepest condolences go out to David and his family during this most difficult time.

The Calais family is deeply saddened by the loss of our esteemed colleague, Ellen, who has dedicated her life to the education and well-being of countless students. As a passionate teacher, her influence extended far beyond the classroom. Formerly, Ellen was a committed officer in the teachers' union, advocating for the rights and needs of educators. Additionally, Ellen’s involvement in the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) demonstrated her unwavering dedication to fostering a strong partnership between educators and families.
Ellen will be remembered for her leadership, compassion, and the lasting impact that she made on our community. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all.  
With heartfelt sympathy,
Maryann Braen

Dear Ellen, 
She was my Introduction to Calais school. 
We often shared time having hot cocoa and playing Scrabble with our students. She worked hard to teach them ; each in their own Special way.  Her focus was always on being 
Caring & giving. She often spent time just 
Talking it through with “our kids”. Her patience was evident…. Plus always an enthusiastic laugh ( chuckle). I try enjoyed her company and she will be greatly missed:((
Love Lisa G

It was a pleasure working with Ellen at the Calais school. I will really miss her and always remember her. My deepest condolences to David and his family.

Israel and I had the pleasure of working with Ellen at The Calais School in Whippany, NJ. We  send our condolences to David and the family during this difficult time. Ellen was a sweet lady who taught with humor,  kindness, and generosity. She will be remembered by us fondly.

Ellen and I worked together at the Calais school. Her kindness and generosity toward others was evident without even looking for it. To her students, she was like a second mother, and she treated them all like they were her beloved children. Ellen’s connection to the school families was admirable, as they all had complete trust and respect for her. Her co-workers loved her and she was always looking for ways to support them. She will be remembered fondly through the halls of Calais. Peace be with the family and all who love her during this difficult time.

So sorry to know of this loss to your family. Ellen’s family & ours were very close for all the years we lived in Hillside, & beyond. We kids were in & out of each other’s houses as if they were our own. We were lucky to have had a childhood like that & to have known family friends like the Wolf’s.
 May Ellen’s memory be a blessing & an inspiration. 
Ronni (Wofsy) Bergman

Ellen was one of the most compassionate people I've ever known.. Working with her for many years was a blessing. She will be remembered for her encouragement and integrity for the students at The Calais School. I undoubtedly loved working with her for many years. Sending prayers and condolences to her family. RIP Ellen..you are loved.
Marjane and Paul Vitaletti

OBITUARY

Ellen Sue Reich

October 6, 1954 – August 7, 2024

Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel

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