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Memorial Keepers(3)
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Ellen Switala
August 5th, 1974 - February 15th, 2020
August 5th, 1974 - February 15th, 2020
Most of us know Ellen as the helpful, smiling, care-free spirit when we’ve met her in the hallways at Ross. Although Ellen didn't have kids of her own, she filled her life with the love of her niece and nephews whom she absolutely adored, her friends who she treasured, her cats (plural), birds, hedgehog, and any other animal she met with a need. She also had a passion for helping people who had fallen on hard times and gave selflessly to them.
Ellen enjoyed traveling the world, putting together incredible firework displays, she had a love for craft beers, and was a BeerFest "VIP", she loved going to techno events as much as hard rock concerts. Ellen loved life.
We're really going to miss Ellen's spunky attitude, her infectious smile, her ridiculous rituals, her habit to forget to hit record, her sassy mouth, her incessant gag reflex, her iPhone with 10 sticky notes attached but most of all, we will miss her wonderful friendship. We love you Ellen and will miss you!
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Tributes
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Evan Marie Allison
Ellen was always such a joy to be around- she had a contagious smile, laugh, and positive uplifting demeanor. She was a ray of sunshine. She made any collaborative project we worked on together fun. She took time to get to know people beneath the surface and showed genuine interest in their lives. She made the UM community a better place and she will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies go out to everyone impacted by her tragic passing.
Kevin Gates
I worked with Ellen a few times a couple of years ago. She always waved and said hi in passing in the hallway. I will always remember her smile and just good nature. She will be missed!
Julie Zhang
I work at Ross IT, although I didn't work directly with Ellen, but we were in the same department for a couple years. She was such kind and loving lady. She always had a beautiful smile on her face. We had lovely and fun conversation about pet. I will miss her. I send along my condolences and prayers to her family.
Ada
I still cannot believe you are gone. I will miss our lunches together. I will miss our group texting, but most of all I will miss you. I will love & miss you forever. R.I.P Ellen.
Michelle Austin
I didn't know Ellen well, but I worked with her a few times throughout the past 4 years, and she was such a joy. Ellen helped us make news videos for our Leadership Crisis Challenge programs. She made our team and our students feel comfortable and happy in front of the camera, and she added really fun elements to our videos in the editing process after. What I will remember most is how Ellen made the experience something to look forward to by being light, fun, and kind. She also was an absolute professional and knew exactly how to make people look good in front of the camera. I will miss Ellen here at U-M, and I send my best wishes to the family.
Betsy Erwin
I looked forward to seeing Ellen during our online MBA studio sessions and video shoots. I remember the first day of our shoot she stood out in the hallway waiting for me to arrive. Although Ellen spent a lot of time in the studio, she recognized it was tricky for first timers to find and didn’t want me to have any trouble. Once in the studio, Ellen’s uncanny ability to anticipate my questions, know when I needed a little extra encourage, or diffuse a stressful take with a laugh or ear to ear smile, were special indeed. I will miss Ellen and am deeply sorry for your loss.
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