Ellen Meltzer

Born in Hillsboro, New Hampshire to Rae (Mitnik) Feldblum and Harry Feldblum, Ellen was the second youngest of their 5 children. Among the first in her family to attend college, she studied at the University of New Hampshire and Boston University, obtaining her masters in social work in 1956. With great bravery, she then moved across the country to Chicago for her first job with the Jewish Community Center. She formed a close circle of friends and fellow social workers with Janet and Charles Garvin and her lifelong friend Elaine Finnegan, through whom she met her husband and love of her life, Bernard Meltzer. She remained devoted to the field of social work her entire life, with a special passion for the well-being of children. She was a regular attendee at marches and community meetings focused on fair housing, education and early childhood development, and was also a proud, early member of PFLAG.

The Meltzer home, under her supervision and with her expert eye for art and design, was a frequent stopping point for family and friends over the years. She resumed her social work career in the 1980s and continued it after her husband passed away, until her retirement in 2007. She enjoyed an active social life with friends, and had a special appreciation for arts, music and travel.

She is survived by her children Adam Meltzer and Sylvia Meltzer, MD (Tricia Geraghty) - who were her source of greatest joy and immense pride. She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her dear friends Janet and Charles Garvin, her daughter-in-law Jane Whitinger, and her husband Bernard Meltzer.

The family extends its deepest appreciation to the caregiving staff at Westminster Place.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WeinsteinFuneralHomes.com for the Meltzer family.