Ellen Sue Jaffe

March 16, 2022

Ellen Jaffe died on March 16th, 2022, a day after her 77th birthday, in Toronto, Ontario. Ellen’s passion was writing and she found immense joy in working with others to explore creativity. Three days before her death, a reading of Ellen’s poetry was held in her honour, which she received as a gift exemplifying her life’s work, and can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbI1122yYNo Ellen was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and was fierce in making the most of every day she had. Her family is forever appreciative of Dr. Chen and the team at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, whose treatment gave Ellen three years of happiness, as well as the palliative team at Bridgepoint Hospital, who provided her with dignity, comfort, and safety during her final days. Ellen is survived by her loving partner, Roger Gilbert, who was by her side every day she took on her cancer. Ellen loved and will be missed by Roger’s children, Terri, Vance, and Simon, and grandchildren Alexis, Sydney, and Cameron. Ellen was admired and will be remembered by her beloved, her son, Joe Bitz, whose life is a reflection on the outstanding traits Ellen provided as a parent. Ellen had never ending love for Joe’s partner Christina, and boys Emilio and Elijah. Ellen was born in New York, NY, and was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Harry and Viola Jaffe. Ellen’s memory will be held by her cousins, Lisette and Paul Jacobs, their children Alexia Palmer (Michael) and Caroline Masters (Jonathan), and grandchildren James and Teddy; and Orville and Stephanie Simon. Too numerous to name, a special acknowledgment to all of Ellen’s friends who meant the world to her. Ellen’s legacy will be commemorated by The Ontario Poetry Society with the Ellen S. Jaffe Humanist Award for Poetry, which was an honour she was fortunate enough to be advised of before her death. Ellen’s charities of choice were: Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, the Canadian Cancer Society, TVOntario, Tarragon Theatre, Daily Bread Food Bank, the David Suzuki Foundation, and the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Ellen lived a life worth living and even at the end was filled with love. Her family and friends are grateful for having of had her to travel the road. From Ellen: When you lose someone you love, They return gradually, shyly, to your heart, Growing roots, then flowers, Cherished, delicate, visible Only to you. Shalom.