Words of Remembrance, spoken at her service on 1/14/17:
My dad started to write this for my mom in the last few days of her life while she was in our home in hospice care. His words soon became our words, and though he is the ultimate author of the following thoughts, it was most certainly a team effort to get here:
What do you say to people who have just lost a loved one? It’s not easy coming up with words at a time when someone is going through the worst experience of their life. One of the more common sayings is, “Sorry for your loss.” But what do you say when that person has such an impact on people that she makes their lives better? When someone has given so much of herself and didn’t think twice about it. Putting other people’s interests over her own was what our mom did. Always willing to give a helping hand. When something had to get done, she would jump right in.
My mom liked to feed everyone. She was a great cook, like her Aunt Bernie, and was always putting another plate on the table for last minute dinner guests. She cooked, she baked, and you could always find a bartender at your service when you stepped into her house. Her house was a gathering spot for family and friends, and her way of showing love was by selflessly taking care of the people in her life.
We are told that one of her biggest joys was being a stay at home mom and raising me and my sister. She was a very proud mother and ran the household so my dad could concentrate on working as a police officer. And my mom did it all. In addition to cooking, housework, caring for us kids and supporting her husband – you would also see her out mowing the lawn and shoveling the snow.
When we got older, my mom started to work in the school, first as a volunteer and eventually working her way up to secretary for the high school principal. She loved her job and the people she worked with. In the first ten years, and until she was diagnosed with cancer, she never took a sick day. She worked for almost four years while being treated for cancer, many times still sick from the chemo. Her hard work and determination helped her succeed, and her smile and wit helped ensure she was well-liked by so many of her coworkers.
When my dad joined Brook-Lea Country Club, she said to him, “This is for you but don’t expect me to play golf.” But before long, she was out playing golf and enjoying it. She made many new, long lasting friends at Brooklea and even has a tree named after her because she hit it so many times.
One of the things that really frustrated my mom in the later years of her life though was losing the ability to do so many of the tasks she once did with ease and pride. It pained her that she was not able to get down on the ground with her grandkids, but she cherished the moments when they could snuggle up in her shoulder or sit on her lap. As always, she found other special ways to be present in their lives. Through post cards or FaceTime calls or gifts she would find that she knew they would like. She was always resourceful and always involved in the ways that she could be.
As is evident in all facets of her life, my mom has touched so many lives in such memorable and sincere ways. As we gather here today to remember her and celebrate her life, it is clear that it is not, “Sorry for your loss.” It is, “Sorry for our loss.”
To the Family of Ellen Reitter,
So sorry to learn about the loss of your Dear Loved One, Ellen. Please know that so many people share your grief with you to help you through this difficult time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences as we await the time when Christ Jesus will awaken all of those who have fallen asleep in death; including your Beloved, Ellen.
(John 11:41-44)
I was so sorry to read that Ellen had died. The pictures on this remembrance were so lovely and portrayed such a loving family and especially such a loving mother. Please know that I am thinking about you.
Ellen and I were connected through the Ruf family and we were also classmates at St. Agnes. My fondest memories were when we were kids and hung out together at the family clambakes on Dunbar St.
I am so sorry for your loss. God bless her family during this difficult time.
Ellen is a great example of a giving heart, and love of family. Special memories of our family reunions. She made them happen. A lot of fun and laughter. To our Uncle and all our special Cousins, we love you and will always remember her. Love Kathy and Ed
My heart will always be filled with the most amazing memories of one of the most beautiful human beings I have had the absolute privilege of knowing. I send my deepest sympathies to you all.
I will miss her a great deal, she was such a fun person to work with! We became good friends in the athletic office at hilton. Such a kind and funny person!
Its finally Beer thirty all the time now! have a couple for me! cheers! To Jim and her family you have my sympathies.
Words of Remembrance, spoken at her service on 1/14/17:
My dad started to write this for my mom in the last few days of her life while she was in our home in hospice care. His words soon became our words, and though he is the ultimate author of the following thoughts, it was most certainly a team effort to get here:
What do you say to people who have just lost a loved one? It’s not easy coming up with words at a time when someone is going through the worst experience of their life. One of the more common sayings is, “Sorry for your loss.” But what do you say when that person has such an impact on people that she makes their lives better? When someone has given so much of herself and didn’t think twice about it. Putting other people’s interests over her own was what our mom did. Always willing to give a helping hand. When something had to get done, she would jump right in.
My mom liked to feed everyone. She was a great cook, like her Aunt Bernie, and was always putting another plate on the table for last minute dinner guests. She cooked, she baked, and you could always find a bartender at your service when you stepped into her house. Her house was a gathering spot for family and friends, and her way of showing love was by selflessly taking care of the people in her life.
We are told that one of her biggest joys was being a stay at home mom and raising me and my sister. She was a very proud mother and ran the household so my dad could concentrate on working as a police officer. And my mom did it all. In addition to cooking, housework, caring for us kids and supporting her husband – you would also see her out mowing the lawn and shoveling the snow.
When we got older, my mom started to work in the school, first as a volunteer and eventually working her way up to secretary for the high school principal. She loved her job and the people she worked with. In the first ten years, and until she was diagnosed with cancer, she never took a sick day. She worked for almost four years while being treated for cancer, many times still sick from the chemo. Her hard work and determination helped her succeed, and her smile and wit helped ensure she was well-liked by so many of her coworkers.
When my dad joined Brook-Lea Country Club, she said to him, “This is for you but don’t expect me to play golf.” But before long, she was out playing golf and enjoying it. She made many new, long lasting friends at Brooklea and even has a tree named after her because she hit it so many times.
One of the things that really frustrated my mom in the later years of her life though was losing the ability to do so many of the tasks she once did with ease and pride. It pained her that she was not able to get down on the ground with her grandkids, but she cherished the moments when they could snuggle up in her shoulder or sit on her lap. As always, she found other special ways to be present in their lives. Through post cards or FaceTime calls or gifts she would find that she knew they would like. She was always resourceful and always involved in the ways that she could be.
As is evident in all facets of her life, my mom has touched so many lives in such memorable and sincere ways. As we gather here today to remember her and celebrate her life, it is clear that it is not, “Sorry for your loss.” It is, “Sorry for our loss.”
To the Family of Ellen Reitter,
So sorry to learn about the loss of your Dear Loved One, Ellen. Please know that so many people share your grief with you to help you through this difficult time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences as we await the time when Christ Jesus will awaken all of those who have fallen asleep in death; including your Beloved, Ellen.
(John 11:41-44)
Dear Jim, Beth and Kathleen,
I was so sorry to read that Ellen had died. The pictures on this remembrance were so lovely and portrayed such a loving family and especially such a loving mother. Please know that I am thinking about you.
Ellen and I were connected through the Ruf family and we were also classmates at St. Agnes. My fondest memories were when we were kids and hung out together at the family clambakes on Dunbar St.
I am so sorry for your loss. God bless her family during this difficult time.
Mary Lindslet Schmidt
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. May God give and share strength at this time.
Ellen is a great example of a giving heart, and love of family. Special memories of our family reunions. She made them happen. A lot of fun and laughter. To our Uncle and all our special Cousins, we love you and will always remember her. Love Kathy and Ed
Praying for your family at this time of loss. God needed one of his angels back as we are all only here for a brief time.
Beloved sister, you will be missed by all.
My heart will always be filled with the most amazing memories of one of the most beautiful human beings I have had the absolute privilege of knowing. I send my deepest sympathies to you all.
I will miss her a great deal, she was such a fun person to work with! We became good friends in the athletic office at hilton. Such a kind and funny person!
Its finally Beer thirty all the time now! have a couple for me! cheers! To Jim and her family you have my sympathies.