Obituary of Ellen Schaeffer

Ellen Schaeffer, maiden name Spungen, 72, passed away in Denver on February 7, 2017. Her funeral will take place on Monday, February 13 at 1 PM at Emanuel Cemetery, inside Fairmount Cemetery in Denver. Ellen is survived by daughters Kim and Nicole and son-in-law Jay and sibling's Larry Spungen and Janet Spungen. A Philadelphia native, Ellen moved to Denver after retiring to be closer to her children. Some of Ellen's daughters' favorite memories of their mother are partner dancing with abandon to Ellen's favorite show tunes, how she always seemed to wait until the perfect moment to speak-up and catch people off guard with her sense of humor, her loudly cheering a good bench clearing by the Philadelphia Flyers, and her gregarious nature that quickly turned strangers into friends and allies. Ellen was a modern woman before her time: wanting to go to college in a time when it was less common for women, quietly exhibiting facetiousness in the face of hardship, and knowledgeably discussing politics with passion. She sacrificed for her children instead of getting to explore her own life fully - raising two daughters mostly on her own. Daughters, Kim and Nicole, are most thankful for the strength, love, common sense, and savviness that they walk through the world with thanks to their Mom. They already miss her dearly. Please make contributions in Ellen’s name to your favorite charity.