Page created by: Reitkopp Family

Ellen Reitkopp is seventy five years young. She is the oldest of many cousins, the descendent of four strong sisters, Bess, Syd, Lil and Mimie and Walter Auslander-an opinionated talented man. We recently lost the last sister, Mimie at the age of eighty-six, she also had Parkinsons. The disease did not define her and it doesn't define Ellen either. Growing up in NYC, Ellen took several buses across town to attend a gifted school. She left for college barely old enough to drive a car. After attending Cornell, Ellen earned her graduate degree at University of Rochester (along with her hubby Howard) and started a family. Graduation and the birth of her third child were pretty darn close. Not one to let boundaries limit her, Ellen taught school, became a reading specialist, and helped start a successful recruiting business.

She traveled the globe, and with Howard, finally made DC their home. Ellen got her competitive streak from her father Walter, and played golf and tennis for many years. She built a welcoming home like her mother Syd's. Often Ellen and Howard brought home strays over the years. Some came for a night, others stayed for years. Nothing excites Ellen more, well shoes and shopping maybe, than open houses on the weekend. Howard and Ellen bought, decorated, and sold more houses than can be counted over the years (twenty to be exact shared Howard). Her motto, "When the walls are full, it's time to move."

They always had two dogs, smaller at first and then then seemed to settled on standard poodles. She often spoke about being an anthropologist, or maybe a doctor. Ellen has remained intellectually curious. She was a leader; PTA president, League of Women's Voters President in Martin County (FL), on boards, and an avid volunteer. Cruising the world, one ship at a time, in between playing bridge, golf, mahjong, and of course- enjoying her many grandchildren. A cruise adventure combined so many things Ellen enjoys, seeing new places, eating good food, and meeting new people. She still prepares great dishes such as goulash, cheese blintzes and apple pies. You can always count on her to bring a positive and insightful view to any discussion.