Ellen Kirschner died peacefully on October 23, 2020 of Alzheimer's Disease. She had suffered from this insidious disease for 22 years and had been institutionalized for more than 13. She was extremely well cared for in a lovely facility and visited almost daily by a devoted family. However, about a dozen years ago she seemed to stop recognizing most of her her visitors. Ellen graduated from Stony Brook where she majored in Mathematics. She moved to Manhattan where once a week a group of we friends would gather for Chinese food and laughs. She embarked on a career in computer programming beginning at the Institute for Space Studies. A long career followed and she eventually retired from Union County (NJ) College where she taught computer programming and worked in the IT department. In 1972 she met Donald Mokrauer - a single father with a four year old son, Jonathan- with whom she would spend the rest of her life, first residing in Northern Virginia, then, in 1977, moving to Westfield, NJ. Ellen took on the role of mother to Jonathan and, over the next several years, the family grew with the birth of son David, and daughter Beth. She has 7 grandchildren but because of the cruelty of Alzheimer's she never got to know them. Because of Covid the funeral was held with just the immediate family. A slightly larger Zoom Memorial allowed a few of us to participate and share remembrances. Ellen never lost her sweet temperament and devilish humor. Even as the disease began to ravage her she was still able to joke about it. She was fortunate to have the love of her family until the end.
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Raymond Tabano
To Ellen's family
I remember her
Lovely girl
may she Rest in Peace
Raymond
Bonnie Stone
My condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace, Ellen, may your memory be a blessing. Alzheimer's is a horrible disease and to have been diagnosed at such a young age is a nightmare for a family.
Alison Eil (Stolzman)
I am so saddened to read about Ellen's passing, and of course hard to learn at the 50th reunion that she had early onset Alzheimer's. She was the sweetest friend, with her even temper and ready giggle. I have wonderful memories of the hours spent in the kitchen of her family's house up near Ft. Hill Rd with her mother and wonderful dad, who also died too young. Steffi, if you wrote this lovely tribute, Thank You.
Letitia Autuori (Hermida)
So sorry to hear about Ellen's passing. May I extend condolenses to her family and friends at this most sorrowful time. There are many that will remember her pleasing personality.
Susan Roswit
Am saddened to hear about Ellen. I remember her as so beautiful and vibrant. Condolences to her close friends and family.
Lesley Markman
I will always remember Ellen very fondly as a bright, witty, spirited friend who was fun to be around and full of life. I will also always remember when she knocked out two of my front teeth from an errant swing on the paddleball court. I am very sorry to hear about her passing and her unfortunate journey through Alzheimer's.
RIP, Ellen.
Vincent "Champ" Coddington
Wonderful girl when we dated back in the day. Went out on two dates, had a good time. My condolences to her family.
Arlene Golant
I'm embarrassed that I didn't know about Ellen. She and I were very good friends all through elementary school on. She was one of the sharpest, funniest people I knew then (and since). I remember her older sister and particularly her father and his mustache.
Sorry Ellen. Very sorry.
Larry Barnett
Alzheimer's sucks. Sorry to hear of Ellen's passing.
Beverly Bochnak (Behrens)
I am so sorry to hear of Ellen Kirschner passing away.
She was such a happy and a fun person as I remember her to be smart and beautiful.
My heartfelt condolences to all her Family and Friends.
May She Rest In Heavenly Peace With The Perpetual Light Always Shining Upon Her, Amen