Ellen DeNelsky

Ellen DeNelsky, age 80, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 24, 2021. Beloved wife of Dr. Garland (Gary) DeNelsky for nearly 59 years, Ellen was born to Dr. Martin and Pearl Weitz in Queens, New York on August 2, 1940, and moved at a young age to Washington State. Her family later moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon, where she grew up and attended high school. She had an older sister, Mimi Orzech (husband Ze’ev Orzech, both deceased) and an older brother (Harrison Weitz (deceased;) wife Leona Weitz. After high school, Ellen attended Grinnell College where she met her husband 62 years ago, transferred to and later graduated with honors from Purdue University (1962). After her children were grown, she continued her education and obtained her Certified Financial Planning license and practiced as a certified financial planner for over 20 years.

Ellen was the mother of Becky (husband Gary Byron), Steve (wife Merle), and Jeffrey DeNelsky (deceased); Grandmother of Logan DeNelsky (wife Lindsey), Ashley Barrett, Nicki (husband Rabbi Simon Stratford), Jacob, Anna, and Julia DeNelsky; and Great-Grandmother of Max DeNelsky.

Ellen was an avid tennis player and captain of several women's teams in the Cleveland Area. She enjoyed theater, music, traveling, hiking and spending time with her friends and family. She was loved by those who knew her for her gentleness, kindly spirit, and concern for others.

Ellen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2013, and spent the last years of her life with increasingly severe disabilities. Despite these progressive impairments, she rarely complained, keeping the grace and positive attitude that so characterized Ellen her entire life.

Funeral services for Ellen will be held at 11 am, Monday, June 28 at Temple Israel, 91 Springside Drive, Akron, Ohio 44333, with burial services following at Mount Olive Cemetery, 27855 Aurora Road, Solon, Ohio.

Following burial, there will be a reception and Shiva at the home of Drs. Mickey and Cheryl Weinstein, 18600 South Woodland Rd. Shaker Heights Ohio 44122.

On Tuesday, June 29, from 5-7 pm, there will be a reception and Shiva at the home of Becky DeNelsky and Gary Byron, 625 Wall Rd, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

For a link to access live video streaming of her funeral, please visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ellendenelsky/journal

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Temple Israel, 91 Springside Drive, Akron, Ohio 44333

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