Ellen Osterbind Jonassen ( written by the deceased prior to her death ) passed away at home on March 15, 2013 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Ellen was born on April 10, 1949 to Rose and Carter Osterbind in Arlington, Virginia. She is survived by her devoted husband of almost forty years, William S.(Bill) Jonassen of Belleair Beach, FL. who provided her unlimited support and comfort during her illness. Bill could not have done more for her, always aware of her every need, and allowing her to discuss anything, no matter how painful. She is also survived by her son, William S. Jonassen, IV of Belleair Beach and her daughter, Rosilie Jonassen Harkeli of Jacksonville, FL. Other survivors include her brother, Carter Clarke Osterbind of Jacksonville, Alabama his wife Kelly and their six children, Reilly, Mary, Walter, Tom, Audrey and Sharon and her brother in law J. Louis Saffos of Jacksonville, FL. Ellen moved to Gainesville, Florida when she was one years old when her father Carter accepted a position as an Economics Professor at the University of Florida. She grew up in Gainesville and lived there until her marriage. Ellen attended Rhodes College in Memphis and graduated with honors. At Rhodes she was active in many organizations and was Vice President of Delta Delta Delta sorority and a member of Mortar Board Women’s Leadership Fraternity. She received a National Defense Education Act Fellowship to the University of Florida and received her Ph.D in 1975. In December of 1973 she married her husband Bill and they moved to Clearwater where he began practicing law. After finishing up work on her Ph.D., she was on the staff at St. Petersburg College, and later was a Counselor in the Career and Personal Counseling Center at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. After receiving her Psychologist’s license she went into a private practice in Psychology with several local Psychologists, and eventually went into a solo practice on her own for twenty-five years. Ellen had many interests. Before their children were born, Ellen and Bill spent countless hours restoring and rebuilding many larger sail and power boats. She continued with boating as a family, taking numerous trips on their boats to the Southwest coast of Florida from here to Key West. Her children were forced to endure “nature walks” on these and other trips around the country. She also enjoyed reading and had the pleasure of belonging to a local book club which was made up of many caring friends. Ellen also loved playing tennis which she took up in her late 40’s. Although not especially skilled, often occupying the lowest position on the team, she enjoyed it immensely and was on several leagues acting as Captain on some of the teams. One of her greatest joys was acting as the non-playing captain of Belleair 2 when she could no longer play. Through tennis she also made many wonderful friends. Ellen also had a life long enjoyment of popular music. Locally she was also a Sustainer in the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin.
Ellen was preceded in death by her father, Carter Clarke Osterbind, PhD., her mother Rosilie(Rose) Hutcheson Osterbind, and her sister, Rosilie Osterbind Saffos, MD.
Ellen wants to thank her many caring and loving friends who were so supportive during her illness. She especially wants to thank her closest friend of over 50 years, Judge Elizabeth (Libby) Jenkins of Tampa who was just great and always trying to come up with a book, idea, activity or anything she thought might be helpful in dealing with Ellen’s illness. Also, she would like to thank Moffitt Cancer Center and her oncologist, Susan Minton, DO, her nurse Vicky Trallo and all of the staff at Moffitt International. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Moffitt International in the name of Dr. Minton and Mrs. Trallo or please take yourself out to dinner and have a good time with family and friends.
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