I'm so sorry for the loss of Ms. Meyers (as I know her). She was the head guidance counselor while I was a student at Plantation. She was the first time I was ever challenged with “these are the rules” and I gladly challenged her with “these are the loop holes.” I definitely learned a lesson in persistence overcoming resistance, and negotiating. Rest well Ms. Meyers. Thank you for the life lessons.

I was fortunate enough in my late teen years to have been part of Chi's life. Chris was a great friend growing up and invited me to an outdoor event in her backyard, which included a ping pong table. Having been a decent tennis player, l didn't hedge when Chi challenged me to play. It wasn't pretty, for me anyway, as she took me task and then some.

She was always generous, insightful, maternal, and gracious. I will always remember her being another mom-away-from-mom. 

Gretchen, Kristen & Aly Playing in the Backyard — with Gretchen Meyers and Kristen Scott

Chalk Artists Hard at Work — with Gretchen Meyers and Kristen Scott

Group photo at Al’s 50th — with Gretchen Meyers and Kristen Scott

Gretchen, Grant & Alysun at Al’s 50th — with Gretchen Meyers

I have many fond memories of playing with Gretchen and Kristen after school at the “Swiss cheese house” across the street from Hollywood Hills Elementary. I remember one afternoon Gretchen coming home after school extremely upset because she had either learned about tornadoes at school or because Hurricane David was heading our way. To ease her anxiety, Ellen told Gretchen that Swiss cheese houses were safer than other homes during a storm. Sending my deepest condolences and Love to the whole family and all who are mourning Ellen “Chi.”

I met Ellen back in the mid-70s when Gretchen and my daughter Alison Schardl became fast friends. They spent many hours together after school playing with Kristen (and Button) at the Swiss Cheese House. I was always pleasantly surprised at how well the three girls played together under Ellen’s watchful eyes. Three, I had found in previous experience, was not always an optimal number for play dates with young children. These three were different, I soon learned!

The kids’ friendship led to we two couples becoming friends as well. One particular Saturday nights’ plan stands out in my mind. We had tickets to go together to hear John Denver at the Sportatorium which, at the time, was on the very edge of civilization in South Florida. Unfortunately, poor Gretchen had the traumatic misfortune of falling from her bike that afternoon and a trip to the ER confirmed that she would require stitches to repair the damage. Needless to say, Mommy Ellen missed the show.

Later when I wanted to do something special to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday, Ellen and Grant very graciously offered their home as the venue for a surprise party for the occasion. With their help my kids and I were actually able to pull this off as a surprise and a great time was had by all.

As the girls went their separate ways in middle school, Ellen and I saw each other less frequently, but reconnected when they got to South Broward. I loved planning a first trip to Europe for Ellen and Gretchen, then others some years later.

I will always remember Ellen fondly as a kind, caring, fun and generous friend. My heart goes out to her family at this difficult time.

My most heartfelt condolences to Ellen’s children, grandchildren, and whole family.  Ellen was my first guidance director at Plantation High, where I started in 2002. She called me her ‘little girl’.  She was amazing! We had so much fun as a department and developed great friendships. I joined the book club in 2003 and to this day, continue to keep up with what they are reading. When I became guidance director in 2013 at South Broward, she came to visit me. I was so proud to have her there and support me.  I love her! 💕 She will be missed forever! #GOAT 

I initially started going to the Lighthouse because of my declining vision.. I continued going for many years because of Ellen. Her warm and caring manner welcomed me into the Lighthouse of Broward book club, and I was hooked.

Ellen had the knack for making each one of us in the group feel important, and what we had to say, worthwhile. She asked very thought-provoking questions and elicited many lively discussions, even with books the group generally did not like.

I feel that I have grown as a person by knowing Ellen, and by reading and discussing books that I normally would not have read, but for Ellen's encouragement.

She was smart, funny, caring, kind and so patient and I will miss her.
Marsha Hopp

PHS Guidance crew

Ellen was one of the most delightful people we've known.  Always ready to sit and chat, expressing an interest in just about any topic that came up. Jane and Ellen belonged to different book clubs, so we exchanged information over book selections, often finding that we liked the same books.

Ellen was the one who first suggested the idea of a senior ping pong group at the Hollywood Y, about 10 years ago.  It has turned out to be a lot of fun and the source of many friendships over the years.  Jane and Ellen often paired up as partners, so one of her daughters came up with the nickname of  "JEllen" for us.  It seemed an apt name.

John had also been a volunteer at the Humane Society so they shared about their various experiences.  And no surprise--they both ended up adopting dogs from there.  

Ellen will always be someone who we remember fondly...we will miss her very much. Our deepest condolences to her family and other friends.

Jane and John Schuller

Ellen and I were next door neighbors for 11 years (Taylor Street, Hollywood from 2003 to 2016).   Since we saw each other frequently coming and going, our friendship easily grew - we shared the same interests in books, music, tv shows.  Sometimes she would watch my children for me when they were little; they loved going next door to play at Ellen's and Sunny's!  We celebrated life's milestones and supported each other through tough times.  When she moved to Harding Street, we still met for lunch every few months and always for our birthdays.   She took me to line dancing twice and she danced circles around me!  She usually beat me in ping pong too!  When the pandemic hit and she didn't want to go to the grocery store, I did her grocery shopping for her.  This past July she called to say she needed my help again with the grocery shopping (she had come down with Covid).    She recovered by August and was so looking forward to returning to her busy routine of line dancing, book groups, time with her beloved Lexie and of course, her friends and family.  One night in late August, she unfortunately slammed her hand against her cabinet and off we went to the ER; her sharp wit and wonderful laugh kept the mood light.  In the weeks that followed, I spent almost every day with her; I feel blessed to have gotten so much time together.  I will miss her so very much.

Celebrating December birthdays — with Members of the pingpong group

I had met Ellen 13 years ago at the Humane Society.  We would often chat in between helping customers and began good friends.  We spend many Sunday mornings together walking dogs (my 2 and from time to time Sunny would join in) around the Hollywood Lakes area.   We would chat for hours over much needed hydration and a treat of some sort.   She was a wonderful listener and would nod and smile always. Shared photo's of her trips and family members.  She will be dearly missed.  My condolences and hugs to her family as she was indeed a "Special Gem".  

I was so very saddened by this news. I did not know Ellen as well as many others who have written about her wonderful qualities. I met her in line dancing. But it was easy to feel her warmth & intuitive wit. And  amazingly Ellen knew me enough to give me the confidence I occasionally needed to participate in line dance. She was amazing. I will not forget her.

I met Chi in high school. I remember hearing Gretchen call her Mom Chi and I asked where that name came from. If you know, that will give a little insight into the incredibly witty and hilarious sense of humor that Chi had. Chi had a warm sensibility that just made you feel seen and understood instantaneously. She was also like a second Mom to me, as many have mentioned.  One notable memory, and there were many, was when my own Mother couldn’t  come see me at a very important school function, it was Chi’s beaming smile that I saw when I looked out into the audience. She was there for everyone!! Her ability to empathize was superior and she never ever judged. There is one thing for sure, the world will never be the same without Chi, but our lives are infinitely better for having been blessed to have her in it!! 

It's hard to imagine a life without Chi. Shes been my 2nd mom since I can remember. We had many amazing memories and trips over the years with the girls. Her smile was contagious and her hugs comforting. She was witty and fun. Caring and kind. A great listener, and honest when you needed to hear it. Great taste in music. Soo good at ping pong and tennis. The best friend you could hope to have. And really just the coolest ever. There will never be another. Chi, I love you always and "all night long" -son

Gretchen’s graduation

I am so sorry for your your loss. I worked with Ellen at Apollo Middle School. She was always a kind, caring, and giving person. She will be missed. May her memory be a blessing.

I called Chi my 2nd mom. She was my mom's best friend and a part of my life since I was 3 years old. She was a part of so many of my life events. I loved her like a mom and I will truly miss her. There really are too many memories to list here. Every time I saw her she gave me a huge smile and a great hug. I've never met anyone who could join any gathering of diverse people and fit right in naturally. I was blessed to have her be a part of my life. It really does bring a smile to my face when I remember her.