Ellen's obituary
KIRSCHNER – Ellen, of New York, New York, died on November 19, 2025, at the age of 74.
Born February 9, 1951, in New York, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Paul Ally Kirschner and Charlotte Gordon Kirschner. Ellen was known for her intelligence, quick wit, and creative spirit. Her life was marked by both curiosity and resilience; she approached ideas with intensity and met challenges with determination. A lifelong learner, she graduated from Ethical Culture Fieldston School and received degrees from the University of Chicago, Pratt Institute, Parsons School of Design, and Queens University of Charlotte. She spent her career in journalism and architectural criticism, including contributing to The New York Times. She maintained strong ties to her Jewish faith, community, and traditions, which were central sources of identity and comfort throughout her life. She enjoyed literature, pottery, world travel, and the arts, though her greatest happiness and peace came while on Cape Cod, where she loved the calming quiet of Wellfleet, the literary and artistic spark of Truro, and the freedom and sanctuary of Provincetown.
She is survived by her daughter, Emily Popper, of Denver, Colorado, and her son, Benjamin (Nancy Gunzenhauser) Popper, of Larchmont, New York; and by her grandchildren, Amelia and Madeline Popper of Larchmont, New York. She is also survived by sister Ann (David Hawkins), brother James (Janet Scuderi), nephew Justin (Kellie Wiederhold) and grandniece Ava, and niece Jenna.
Services Monday, November 24th at 11 am, Plaza Jewish Community Chapel, 630 Amsterdam Avenue at 91st Street. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to The Paul A. Kirschner, MD Visiting Professor Lectureship Fund, The Mount Sinai Hospital, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1049, New York, NY 10029-6574.
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Dearest Kirschner & Popper families,
Baruch dayan ha’emet.
Ellen was such an amazing, intelligent, vibrant and unforgett…
Dearest Kirschner & Popper families,
Baruch dayan ha’emet.
Ellen was such an amazing, intelligent, v…
Dearest Kirschner & Popper families,
Baruch dayan ha’emet.
Ellen …
Dear Ann, James, Emily, and Ben,
May you have enough happy memories to sustain you through this difficult time.
Much love…
Dear Ann, James, Emily, and Ben,
May you have enough happy memories to sustain you through this diff…
Dear Ann, James, Emily, and Ben,
May you have enough happy memori…
Dear Ben and Emily,
We were classmates of Ellen at Fieldston. She bravely fought her illness for so many years. We hope…
Dear Ben and Emily,
We were classmates of Ellen at Fieldston. She bravely fought her illness for so…
Dear Ben and Emily,
We were classmates of Ellen at Fieldston. Sh…