There are no words to describe the pain and grief we are feeling after saying goodbye to my beautiful, strong, loving, dynamic mother this morning. The loss is truly immeasurable.
I am sure I will be back to honor her in this space again but today, on the day we said goodbye, I feel driven to publish a Sunday blog like I always would – only all for her.
Before I share some photos of my mom with her absolute favorite people, I want to share her obituary, which will never be enough to sum up all she was and all she meant to us:
Ellen Shifrin, 70, of West Hempstead, NY died on August 7, 2022 at her home, surrounded by her family.
Born on August 28th, 1951, to Robert and Kerry Weintraub (Kier), Ellen spent her life in New York dedicated to her family and the pursuit and support of Jewish learning. She spent years as a religious school principal, working with the Hillel Institute to teach Jewish culture to individuals converting to Judaism and loved sharing Jewish traditions with her five grandchildren. In her husband’s words, she was a true woman of valor.
A giant in a tiny frame, Ellen lived an active life strengthening her body and mind through yoga, bike riding, and strength training which included her proudest physical accomplishment – flipping tractor tires. A continuous learner, she loved word games and looked for opportunities to continue her own education. Up until her last week of life, she still regularly participated in an adult Hebrew class.
For more than a decade, Ellen was a champion of Sunrise Day Camp, a camp dedicated to supporting children with cancer. Today, at the camp, campers can also exercise their minds and bodies at Ellen’s Yoga Quad.
Ellen is survived by her grandchildren who were the greatest source of joy in her life: Chase, Charlie, Steven, Sammy and Amaya; as well as her husband, Eugene; mother, Kerry; sister, Anita (Josh); daughters Joanna (Jason) and Sara (David) and her step-son Austin (Krissy). She was predeceased by her father, Robert and first husband – father of her daughters – Steven.
I love you forever, Mommy. And we’ll remember you forever, Mommy. Nana.
Just beautiful like your Mum thank you for sharing see you tomorrow Denise
A wonderful tribute to your Mom. Beautifully written and a perfect description of her life.
Be❤️
Such great pictures of her life well-lived! A fighter to the very, very end! She worked so hard to “make memories” with all of you and was so thrilled to be able to make the Disney vacation happen. She is dearly missed! You and your sister have her strength and compassion. She was so proud of you all.
Laney