The world lost a bright, shining light today. My beautiful mother, the incredible G-Ma to our dear Meta, Auntie Ellen, best friend to so many, transitioned this afternoon to the spirit world after 75 years. I feel truly blessed to have had the best Mom one could ever ask for. I always felt loved, cared for, supported, safe, encouraged, inspired. She was proactively positive, always saying hello with a smile, greeting everyone she met with joy and good vibes. She treated every human interaction like a puzzle to solve, finding a way to share a laugh and deliver some kind words, to make the other person feel good. She treated every one of my friends as her own child, becoming a second parent to so many with her kindness and generosity. I’ve learned so much from her, she was always there for me no matter what, so thoughtful and caring, always sending kind notes on every holiday, birthday, anniversary. My grandmother lived to 92, so this was completely unexpected. Mom was healthy and full of energy, unfortunately on Thursday an artery in her brain gave out and she had a stroke in the basal ganglia area deep in the center of her brain. I flew in Friday and fortunately had the past few days with my Dad by her side. She was sleeping peacefully when I arrived, but there was just no chance of her coming back, nothing we could do. Her CPU had failed and she was completely unresponsive. We talked to her, played her music, held her hand. I’m very grateful for that time, as hard as it was, it did provide some closure. My Dad and Mom, John and Ellen, were an inseparable dynamic duo of good energy for 54 years. This is a tough loss for the home team, but I think about how lucky we’ve been to share so much precious time with this wonderful human, how many lives she’s touched, and now we have the honor and duty of carrying forward her memory and sharing her full story with her beautiful granddaughter, who loved her very much. We’re going to miss you dearly, but you’re forever in our hearts. Life is a gift, every day is a blessing. Each morning began with my Mom saying “Rise and Shine!” She lived those words every day, bringing so much joy and light into the world. Thank you Mom.

Please feel free to share your memories of my mom, Ellen B Nalepa. Thank you.

Please feel free to share your memories of Ellen B Nalepa

 
 
 
 
 
 
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18 entries.
Judy Foertsch Judy Foertsch from SANTA CLARITA, California wrote on October 28, 2020 at 10:06 pm
One of the most important parts of my entire life has been taken away from me and it has left me with a broken heart that I am sure will never heal! I am completely overwhelmed by the loss of my sister and best friend! Thank you Ellen for the best times I have ever had. I will love you forever and always!
Mark and Betsy Bowen Mark and Betsy Bowen wrote on October 22, 2020 at 12:49 am
What a great love story! Ellen was beautiful in so many ways. We are grateful for the brief time we had to know her. She will be with us whenever we step onto a dance floor.
Carol, Howie, and Aila Kaplan Carol, Howie, and Aila Kaplan from Mansfield, MA and Englewood, FL wrote on October 20, 2020 at 2:07 am
We are overwhelmed with sadness due to the loss of Ellen. Always a beautiful, sincere, happy smile. We could not get enough of her. She was available whenever Aila needed a babysitter. Aila will miss Ellen 's warmth and kindness, not to mention the golf cart rides. We will miss seeing her around the community. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Bruce and Marie Vogt Bruce and Marie Vogt from Englewood wrote on October 19, 2020 at 5:08 pm
A wonderful, caring, giving person to many! Always a delight to be around.
Pat and Jean Gabriele Pat and Jean Gabriele from Englewood wrote on October 19, 2020 at 3:23 pm
What a beautiful tribute. Hopefully, Your memories will ease your pain and strengthen you and your daughter to follow in her footsteps. She was a kind and loving person.
Kaetie and Juergen Kroos Kaetie and Juergen Kroos from englewood wrote on October 19, 2020 at 2:44 pm
What a beautiful and lovely women Ellen was, She was always friendly and never missed to say HALLO' John our thoughts are with you.
Angela Douglass Angela Douglass from Boca Royale wrote on October 19, 2020 at 2:19 pm
So very sorry for the sudden loss of your wife , mom , grandmother. I pray you all have strength thru this difficult time. ❤️❤️
Ray Humphrey Amy Sumners Ray Humphrey Amy Sumners from Englewood wrote on October 19, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Well-deserved tributes to a great and good person. A super neighbor to Amy and me as we cherish the memory of one of those truly unique individuals whose very presence enriched the lives of so many others. An icon for others to emulate. We share your loss and with our prayers. Ray Humphrey and Amy Sumners
Lois Greene/McIntyre Lois Greene/McIntyre from Englewood wrote on October 13, 2020 at 11:47 pm
Ellen was the most beautiful, kind, sweet happy energetic person. She was a neighbor in Boca Royale for 25+ years and we met at so many social functions. When a band was playing and there was a l950's rock 'n roll Lindy being played, I would grab her and we would do the American Bandstand Lindy....what great memories and fun. I will always think of her with love and happiness in my heart for having known her.
Jeff & Elizabeth Baldwin Jeff & Elizabeth Baldwin from Englewood wrote on October 13, 2020 at 5:12 pm
Steve, we live across the street from your parents. When you said in your tribute that Ellen brought joy and light to everyone she ever met, it was a perfect description. We are so sorry for John, your family, and especially your daughter in that she could not have known her longer. It is obvious that you all know how lucky you were to have her.
Denis & Georgette Vachon Denis & Georgette Vachon from West Yarmouth, MA. / Englewood, FL. wrote on October 13, 2020 at 4:34 pm
This pictorial is evidence of a life well lived. John/Steve you will be in our prayers. Ellen always tried to make you feel comfortable with her warm personality. Whenever we would meet she would pronounce my name in French , reflecting my heritage. God bless your family, she will be missed.
Dan & Ellen Downes Dan & Ellen Downes from Chicago wrote on October 12, 2020 at 11:28 pm
Steve, I had the pleasure of working with John and my wife Ellen and I shared many good times with them in Chicago and had the pleasure of spending time with them in Florida! Your mom was an extra special Lady who remains in our memories and prayers. Deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and John! God Bless!
Pat and Dan Hayes Pat and Dan Hayes from Pocasset, Ma and Englewood, Fl wrote on October 12, 2020 at 9:40 pm
What a heartwarming tribute to your mom. She was genuinely a wonderful person. We will miss her, especially seeing her working in her yard as we pass by on Golf View. Your mom has left you with a legacy of so many happy memories to guide you and your family through this hard time. Our sincere sympathies to you and your family. Pat and Dan Hayes
Ron and Carol Bierwagen Ron and Carol Bierwagen from ENGLEWOOD wrote on October 12, 2020 at 8:12 pm
May your beautiful memories help all of you to get you through this very difficult time. Ellen was even more beautiful than the pictures, as her beauty came from within, as well as out. We will miss seeing her gardening and smiling face, as we pass by the house, but her spirit will remain with all of us. Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute to a special lady. XO
Lynn Wombacher Risen Lynn Wombacher Risen from Englewood, FL wrote on October 12, 2020 at 6:52 pm
There are too many stories....because Ellen was always right smack in the middle of all the fun. She was a fireball of fun....a bright light streaking through life like a meteor. Life must, and will, go on - but it will just not be as much fun without Ellen in it. She loved being a Grandma to Meta - that was a joy that she shared with everyone she met; her laugh and the memory of her dancing...ALWAYS dancing....will stay with us forever.
Skipper Rawls Skipper Rawls from HEATHROW, FL wrote on October 12, 2020 at 5:40 pm
Big John and Steve. We are so saddened and heartbroken by the news of Ellen's Passing. We never met a sweeter, nicer lady then Ellen. One of the best dancers I've known. I cherish the memories of me staying with John and Ellen every time I would go to Play golf with Leon and John at Boca Royale and wonderful times we spent sharing a bottle of wine and spending great times together. We are gonna miss You Ellen. RIP
Patricia Dean Patricia Dean from Addison wrote on October 12, 2020 at 5:38 pm
To know Ellen was to love her...she was a ray of sunshine. when I was in Fla last, Had a fun filled evening with Ellen and John and Ray and Maria, I know they treasured their friendship with both John and Ellen. I say with both of them What was not to love???
stevenalepa stevenalepa from Los Angeles wrote on October 12, 2020 at 3:29 pm
Love you Mom. Thank you for teaching me how to be a bright shining light with your proactive kindness and endless love.