Obituaries are supported by a generous grant from Sinai Memorial Chapel.
Ellen Carol Benjamin
April 30, 1950–Dec. 1, 2024
Ellen Carol (née Ecker) Benjamin, age 74, passed away on Dec. 1, 2024, in San Francisco following a long illness.
She was surrounded by her loving family, her husband, Jon Benjamin, and her stepchildren, Chloe Benjamin (Nathan Jandl) and Jordan Benjamin, along with her care team at Rhoda Goldman Plaza. She is survived by her mother, Geraldine Ecker, sister, Karen Yasgoor, brother-in-law, Stuart Yasgoor, and nephew, Justin Yasgoor. She was predeceased by her father, Gerald Ecker, and grandparents, Joseph and Ruth Radlow and Jack and Betty Ecker.
Ellen was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio. She graduated from Admiral King High School (1968) and Kent State University (1972) before receiving a Master’s Degree in Communications from Bowling Green University (1974). Ellen had a successful career in HR and development with organizations such as UnitedHealthcare, the San Francisco Ballet, and the SF Symphony. Trips to Europe and Israel reignited Ellen’s connection to Judaism, and she returned home to become a Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. Rabbi Cohn’s formation of the Spiritual Institute of Temple Emanu-El (SITE) led to Ellen’s work as a spiritual director and to her most treasured friendships. In 2010, Ellen studied for and received two certifications: one in individual spiritual direction from the Mercy Center in Burlingame and the second in group spiritual direction in a Jewish context. She led both individual and group meetings for over twelve years, inspiring and guiding women, including those who had recently converted to Judaism. She led her groups with love, music, and wisdom, and she will be remembered for her gracious spirit.
Ellen’s dedication to her family and religion became the heart of her life. Jon and Ellen built a vibrant, devoted partnership that spanned thirty years. She assumed the mantle of spouse and stepparent wholeheartedly, and her generosity took infinite forms, from maintaining their beautiful home life to caring conversations to acts of lovingkindness. She had many relatives and friends — too long a list to mention here — who loved Ellen’s beaming smile, energy, and wisdom. She loved to travel with Jon, their family, and friends, with particular fondness for Mendocino, Hawaii, France, and Italy.
In addition to her synagogue commitments, Ellen was a docent at San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum, where she led tours with curiosity and enthusiasm — and, as her memory began to be impacted by Lewy Body dementia, with distinct bravery. Ellen felt injustice deeply and was motivated to make the world a better place. After losing a dear family member, Claire Cucchiari Loring, to domestic violence, Ellen joined the board of Shalom Bayit, where she served for ten years. Ellen’s kindness and compassion knew no bounds. Her sparkling laugh will ring forever in the minds of those who loved her.
A memorial will be held on Sunday, March 16, at 2 p.m. at Congregation Emanu-El. For more information, please contact Jon Benjamin at [email protected].
May Ellen’s life be a blessing for all who knew her. If you would like to honor Ellen’s life, please make a donation in her memory to the organizations below.
Shalom Bayit
Social Good Fund/Shalom Bayit
P.O. Box 2883
Berkeley, CA 94702
Lewy Body Dementia Association
912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Ste. 105
Lilburn, GA 30047
Memory Care for the Rhoda Goldman Terraces
Jewish Family and Children’s Services
P.O. Box 159004
San Francisco, CA 94115