Obituary

Ellen Jane Friend, nee Simons, May 12, 1931 – December 6, 2020. With great sadness, the family of Ellen Friend mourns her passing, just shy of her 70th anniversary to her beloved Martin B. Friend. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, and a lifelong Chicago-area resident, she attended the University of Iowa before becoming one of Chicago’s first female mechanical draftsmen. She was an artist, artisan, and jewelry-maker who studied at Chicago’s Art Institute; a respected amateur cook who studied with Jacques Pepin; a philanthropist and volunteer involved in the charity Women’s American ORT; and a world traveler. Generous, compassionate, warm-hearted, self-sacrificing, and loyal, no more supportive mother ever walked this earth. She was the dear wife of attorney Martin B. Friend; loving mother of David Friend (Nancy Paulsen), Richard Friend (Derrick Pooyouma) and the late Janet (Steve) Berman; doting grandmother of Sam, Eliot, Jake and the late Molly; devoted sister of the late Ann (the late David) Adashek; and favorite aunt, in-law, friend, social companion, and neighbor of countless others.

Contributions in her memory may be made to ORT America, 75 Maiden Lane, 10thFloor, New York, NY 10038, www.ortamerica.org. Due to the pandemic, services are private. To leave condolences and for information, including link to view service: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home (847) 255-3520 or www.shalommemorial.org.

Service Information

Service : Tuesday, December 8th at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Private Graveside Service -Memorial Park Cemetery

Interment:
Memorial Park Cemetery
9900 Gross Point RoadSkokie

Guest Book & Memories

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December 8th, 2020

Marty and family. So sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing. . I have known Marty for over 40years and I love him very much . My sincere condolences to you.

~Rhonda Fishkin
~Friend, Buffalo Grove, ill

December 8th, 2020

My deepest condolences to Marty and the family on the passing of Ellen. Although I only knew her as my boss’ wife, she was always gracious and interesting. A life well-lived.

~Stephen L. Hoffman
~worked for Marty, Chicago

December 7th, 2020

I had the great pleasure to meet Ellen several times, most recently at her son Richard’s birthday party, in pre-pandemic times. Both her son’s were present and amid the good-natured joking, I was inspired by the words and actions of love and admiration that she showed her adult children, and that they showed her. To have created a family that is able to love and support so steadily through good and bad times is an amazing achievement. I am grateful for the tiny glimpses I had of this accomplishment of hers, one of so many she made during her long life. May she rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in all the beautiful memories she helped make.

~Rita McCracken
~Friend, Vancouver, Canada

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