Ellen Libeth Erwin, one of the most incredible women to have graced this earth, passed away on January 4th, 2024, in Lakewood Ranch, FL. She was surrounded by family, and a tremendous amount of love and support, in the days leading up to her death.

Ellen was born to Nathan & Sharon Lepp on December 21st, 1952. She grew up in Jeffrey Manor and the suburb of Morton Grove just outside Chicago as the middle sister of 3 girls. She had a childhood filled with love, laughter and often talked about all the fun times with her many cousins. Ellen attended and graduated from Niles West High School.

She attended college at Southern IL University Carbondale. There she met the love of her life and future husband, Ed Erwin. Ed and Ellen were married on December 21st, 1975, in Chicago. They both graduated from college and started lifelong careers in education in Flora (and Clay City), IL. One of Ellen’s passions was education. She spent many years as an elementary school teacher at McEndree Elementary School before making a transition into administration and becoming the Principal at Xenia Elementary School. During her years in the classroom, she was known for playing her guitar and singing to her students. One of her students’ favorite moments was when she would sing The Name Game. Throughout her years as a principal, her teachers often spoke of her wisdom as an administrator since she had spent so many years as a classroom teacher. She touched many hearts and lives during her beloved years as an educator.

Ellen had 2 children – Janna Lee (Erwin) Caravia & Paul Benjamin (Ben) Erwin. To say she loved her children is an understatement. Another of Ellen’s greatest loves was, and always will be, her children (and grandchildren). She was their biggest cheerleader and celebrated any win they had in life more than they celebrated it themselves. Some people are put on this earth to be mothers – and Ellen was definitely one of them. After the children came the Grandchildren: Grant & Garrett Caravia and Elliott, Graham, and Hadley Erwin. Yet another of her greatest loves was attending anything to do with this ‘Party of 5’: taking them on family trips to all inclusive tropical places, attending their sporting events/recitals, and spending time with them lounging around. Her face would light up the second any of those 5 walked into a room she was in.

Ellen lived with Multiple Sclerosis for the last 20+ years of her life. Though the disease slowly took her mobility, she never stopped living her life the way she wanted to. She often told her children that, “Life is not for sissies.” She continuously pushed to travel to new places, spend more time with her family/friends, go shopping, and attend her grandchildren’s events. Ellen loved to travel and came from a family of “seasoned travelers” according to her father. She spent countless hours planning trips with her sisters – Linda & Nancy Lepp.

Ellen’s legacy of love, laughter and light, will live on through her children, grandchildren, and the countless students whose lives she touched throughout her years working in education.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Nathan and Sharon (Sirt) Lepp, and in-laws, George and Ezula (Erdman) Erwin. She is survived by her husband, Ed Erwin of Glen Carbon, IL/Bradenton, FL; children Janna (Paul) Caravia of Troy, IL, & Ben (Ashley) Erwin of Glen Carbon IL; grandchildren Grant & Garrett Caravia of Troy, IL, and Elliott, Graham, & Hadley Erwin of Glen Carbon, IL; sisters Linda (Wayne Goldman) Lepp of Chicago, IL, & Nancy (Brad Schneider) Lepp of Lincolnwood, IL/Lakewood Ranch, FL; sister/brother-in-law: Becky (Herb) Henson of Flora, IL, & Scott (Donna) Erwin of Bradenton, FL; nieces/nephews Herb (Michelle) Henson of Flora, IL, Kim (Calvin) Wilson of Flora, IL, Howie (Melissa) Goldman of Vernon Hills, IL, Becky Goldman of Palatine, IL, Lisa (A.J.) Repp of Deerfield, IL, Avi Schneider of Chicago, IL, Aaron (Crystal) Riley of Indianapolis, IN.; great nieces/nephews Alyssa Rogers, Anna Henson, Cari & Cali Wilson, Simone & Josephine Repp, and Maya & Emily Goldman.

Given Ellen’s infinite love of education and her grandchildren, a memorial education fund has been established for their continuing education -- to continue her legacy. Should friends desire, Ellen’s Legacy memorial contributions can be made at: https://everloved.com/life-of…

Ellen’s family will be hosting a Memorial Celebration of Life to honor her legacy. Details regarding the celebration will be shared once arrangements are finalized.

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