Ellen Stotzky

1934 – 2020

Ellen Stotzky, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; passed away on December 15, 2020 at the age of 86. Ellen lived a full life blessed with many happy memories, but not without challenges. She was born on September 16, 1934 in Tokyo, Japan to Russian immigrants. She had four wonderful brothers, one older and three younger. Raised by a single mother, many household responsibilities fell to Ellen. During World War II, the family moved to Manchuria, China (Harbin). After surviving the perils of the war, they relocated back to Japan. Ellen's experiences taught her grit, but there was a tenderness about her she showed only to those closest to her.

Ellen met her soul mate, George, in the early 1950's when he was serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and stationed in Japan. They fell in love and married. Ellen immigrated to the United States. One of her proudest moments was becoming a United States citizen.

George and Ellen wanted children and were expecting after thirteen years of marriage. At delivery, they were surprised and thrilled with identical twin girls. Ellen drove her kids to and from school every day. She took them to swimming lessons, piano lessons, and school functions. Ellen helped with homework and school projects. She was a devoted mother and adored her children.

Ellen was extremely talented. She was an amazing cook and baker, gifted seamstress, meticulous embroiderer, and avid gardener. Ellen cherished her time preparing meals and hosting dinners. She could prepare a feast fit for a king. Her refrigerator was overstuffed with mouthwatering Russian delights such as piroshki, pelmeni, and ammonic cake. Ellen spent many hours sewing, crocheting, and embroidering. Her craftsmanship was flawless: every stitch perfectly uniform and balanced, every edge trimmed and neat. Ellen also had a green thumb. She treasured time outdoors creating a colorful flower garden of roses, irises, azaleas, and camellias.

Ellen is survived by her two daughters: Anna and Olga, and three granddaughters: Tessa, Natasha, and Danielle. Her children and later grandchildren were the joy of her life. Although Ellen is no longer with us, her memories will live on for generations to come. When Tessa rolls out dough for piroshki, Natasha touches a paintbrush to canvas, and Danielle dances her fingers on the piano keyboard; her memories will remain "In Our Hearts Forever".