For Ellie
We learned a little over a week ago from her siblings online that Ellie suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. We had all been concerned after not hearing from her for several days (it was unusual for her not to post anything on Twitter for any extended period of time), and this horrible news came as a huge shock to all of us.
She said she loved playing games and trying out apps on her New York City train commutes, and she always found good ones to review here and had something insightful to say about each one. Her sister let us know that she really enjoyed participating in WomenWithDroids and that really means a lot to us. We wanted to share our thoughts about Ellie here in a post.
From Renee:
Ellie has been a prolific contributor to this blog since joining in March, and she helped me keep this site going during times when I would have struggled to keep posting actively myself. When life got really busy at one point and I asked if she could write a couple app reviews to offset my lack of posts, she hunkered down and wrote 5 or 6 all at once and said I could post them whenever we needed one. She always stepped up to the plate and never hesitated to contribute more than anyone asked of her, and her enthusiasm encouraged me and helped this site to grow.
I had only been in touch with Ellie by Twitter and email until a Women With Droids web chat a few of us held for the first time this month. Hearing someone’s voice makes them a little more “real” than just chatting online, and I am glad I got to meet her via phone before she left this world too soon. Though I knew her only briefly, Ellie made a strong impression on me (as she seemed to make on everyone she has come into contact with) and I will miss her and her wonderful contributions that helped this blog stay afloat and grow. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
From Deb:
I recently came on-board with WWD and while I didn’t know Ellie long, I immediately sensed there was something special about her. So young, talented, and a tech maven! I was excited to share an upcoming project with her. All of us are still in shock regarding her passing. It’s feels weird having a fun dream in your mind that’s shared with a group of great people then losing a significant part of that dream suddenly and permanently.
I spent more time on Ellie’s site the day I got the news and came across her “30 days of writing” tumbler account. While her website shows her very accomplished side, it was here I found her heart. I’m so sad our paths didn’t cross sooner. My prayers go out to her family and friends. As Craftlass said, ‘Her star shines brightly.”
From Liz:
Ellie was one of the best people I’ve ever known – surprising for someone I’ve never met! She was insanely intelligent, often commenting on social injustices and political wrongs with clarity and poise, and often expressing a great sense of humor. I enjoyed many a late night conversation with her on Twitter, just bouncing back and forth on the most random of topics (there is a “thread” of about 10 tweets regarding a cupcake somewhere) and having a blast doing it. I remember staring in awe at some of her writing – she seemed to be able to effortlessly put word to page! Everything she contributed to WomenWithDroids.com was always a great read, professional yet personal, and extremely helpful. I loved checking her blogs when sometimes life got a little frantic and I couldn’t keep up with Twitter. She was great about putting a bit of her self and her voice into anything she put together.
Ellie was always dropping a kind note or giving a quick boost on Twitter to anyone who crossed her path, and we adored her for it. The world is a little darker for the passing of her light, but that light is carried on in the hearts of those she touched. Ellie, I will miss you a lot hon.
From CraftLass:
I was only just getting to know Ellie, I’d loved her posts from the moment she started writing for us and I saw her blog, but it took me awhile to follow her on Twitter. As soon as I did we started chatting about all sorts of things. It’s always a wonder to meet someone who can be passionate *and* eloquent about almost any topic you throw at her, and Ellie was that sort. The conversation that really stands out was about her wanting to start inline skating, one of my favorite things to do. I was hoping/planning to take a trip up to Harlem to take her skating and actually get to have some relaxed fun together, just a couple of geek girls in the city with our Androids.
If someone had told me I would be crying over someone I had never actually met in person I would have been shocked, just as shocked as I was to hear we lost Ellie. That’s how special she was, it only took one conversation to see it clearly.
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Ellie, you will always be a part of the WomenWithDroids team… we will miss you…
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Ellie’s family has set up a memorial fund and guest book at the American Heart Association website if you would like to leave a note or make a contribution.
Read Ellie’s WomenWithDroids posts here
Related posts:
- Do you want to write for WomenWithDroids?
- WomenWithDroids News 3/17/10
- Tweet summaries for RSS followers?
[...] ago, Ellie suddenly and unexpectedly passed away (Sept 12). Her death was surprising to us and to those of you in the blogosphere and for a while the other siblings and I haven’t been sure what to do with this blog. We know [...]
Oh wow, that’s awful. My thoughts and respects to her family.