Obituary of Ellen T. Stark

It is with great sadness that the family of Ellen Tsapatsaris Stark announce her passing, December 12, 2020. A warrior battling a brave and difficult journey of metastatic breast cancer now at peace. She passed away at home peacefully with her family at her bedside. Ellen was born in Salem, Massachusetts, on September 3, 1954, and grew up in Peabody Massachusetts. She attended Peabody High School, went on to Northeastern University where she achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, then Boston University for a master's degree in Public Health. She was the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, Grants Administrator at the College of Staten Island, then the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Computer and Electrical Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Her ability to team with students, faculty, administrative and senior leadership in college and university settings, were her strengths and successes. Ellen loved to spend time in her kitchen, cooking her favorite Greek traditional recipes handed down from her mother. Her love for cooking was her staple in life. To cook was to welcome all into her home to share not just delicious food, but to laugh, share stories and "live life". Ellen shared her love for her Greek heritage and her Orthodox faith with her family. The Holy Trinity - Saint Nicholas community grew as an extension of her family. The teachings of the church, with its Greek traditions, taught Stephen and Sophia how to live with faith. Greek music, dancing and love for family were her true joys. She had the honor of being part of sharing her love with her godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins godfather, brothers in law, sisters in law, four brothers, all of whom she cherished, loved and cared about. Ellen enjoyed traveling with her husband, friends and family. She cherished her yearly trips to Florida visiting Debbie her best friend she called sister. Ellen's bucket list trip to Greece with her husband and kids was a trip that will always be remembered. The friends they visited and adventures they shared will live on. Ellen loved her sweet fur babies Danny and Cali. They gave her much happiness and comfort but, also created a circle of friends that became a special unique part of her support that brought her laughs and comfort. Ellen's ability to reach out to so many through social media to share her heart and appreciation to all from strangers, coworkers, nurses, doctors, neighbors, her kids friends and parents, breast cancer survivors, cat friends and so many more brought her the heart and courage needed to be the true warrior she was throughout her illness. Ellen's ability in meeting new families throughout her life raising her children from early school age to present that became her circle of trusted family friends is a true spirit of who she was. The outpouring love and support with flowers, food, bakery, and numerous gifts and visits is a testament to the love she gave out to so many. Ellen gave so much to others, but she lived her life ultimately being a devoted loving mother to Stephen and Sophia. As a mother, she gave her heart, shared her wisdom as well as her opinion without flinching or apology, but she never dismissed them for their choice. She knew how to slide a little 'I told you so' into the conversations but was meant to do the right thing. She wrote her 'don't forgets' and 'how to live their life's journey to them which will be honored and cherished. Everything Ellen was and did was supported alongside of her loving devoted husband Stephen. Their 45 plus years of life together, sharing, growing, laughing and grieving together was the foundation of the life she lived. Ellen loved the life they lived together as he provided the spirit, strength and quiet unconditional love behind the scenes she depended on. "May her Memory be Eternal" Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, December 14th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the: Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314. Interment will be at Ocean View Cemetery on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 11:00 a.m.