Ellen

Our namesake.

Ellen Laura Lewis McGrath - December 17, 1968 - December 24, 2017

I met Ellen more than a decade ago while at a friends Easter brunch. Then, as always, she filled a room with her personality. She truly was the life of the party.

Through the years we became close as our families grew. We embarked on our annual trip to Las Vegas with friends and celebrated everything from Cinco de Mayo to Ugly Sweater to New Years together.

Ellen was the life of the party. And she was there when you were going through a rough patch. She was the friend who had all the clothes you dreamed of having and would go through multiple costume changes at every party. She was quick witted and made you want to be funnier.

And while battling melanoma, she was an inspiration. She laughed and celebrated, even in the worst moments. She celebrated the unexpected and embraced those closest to her.

For all she was before she started her battle, she was a super hero as she navigated cancer. She lost finger tips and mocked it, she celebrated her friends when it seemed impossible, she loved on her people.

She taught me to appreciate my people. And I hope she inspires you to do the same.