Ellen A. Lawrence

Ellen Ann Lawrence, age 56, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, January 16th, 2026, with the comfort of her husband and daughters by her side.

Ellen was lovingly raised by her mother, Jo-Ann Ashkenazi, and graduated from Indian Hills High School in Oakland as part of the Class of 1987, where she played on both the volleyball and basketball teams. She went on to pursue her education at The College of New Jersey, earning a bachelor's degree in communications with the Class of 1991. During her college years, Ellen became an active member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, forming lifelong friendships and memories.

Jo-Ann began dating Yuval Ashkanazi in 1984, and the couple married in 1990, becoming a lasting and loving presence in Ellen's life. When Yuval first came into Ellen's world, she was initially reserved toward him, but over time she grew to deeply appreciate and love him as an integral part of their family. Ellen's warmth, resilience, and capacity for love enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Ellen was a seasoned marketing and creative leader with more than two decades of experience in financial services and corporate communications. She served as VP, Head of Creative Studio at PGIM, and previously spent seven years as VP, Global Head of Marketing Services at PGIM Investments. Earlier in her career, Ellen held senior marketing roles at BNY Mellon, where she led communications strategy, content development, and team management. She also served on the Seton Hall University Advisory Board and worked in advertising and marketing at agencies including Grey Group and J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, contributing her expertise to campaigns and client communications throughout her distinguished career.

Ellen met the love of her life Chris, on a night out in Summit New Jersey. After Chris served her a cup of tea on their first date, Ellen got a flat tire, and Chris saved the day. The rest was history. Chris proposed to Ellen on the Knob, in Cape Cod. They married on September 3rd, 2001, at the Alpine Country Club. They honeymooned in Italy, visiting Rome, Positano, and Capri. Chris and Ellen's marriage was blessed with two children: Katie and Mandy. They have enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of twenty-five years.

Ellen was kind, resilient, and fearless, but above all, she was a fighter, and she fought till her last breath. She was a leader who was immersed in her career, and her work ethic was an inspiration. She was a devoted swim mom, taking Katie to all her meets, cheering her heart out, and was always eager to meet new people in the stands. She took up learning the guitar for a while and could be found in the summers reading a book while eating dinner on the patio in her backyard.

She will be deeply missed by her sister, Jennifer Pearlman, and nephews, Jake and Alex. Her sister-in-law, Tonya Kuhn, and brother-in-law, Andrew Kuhn, and her nephews, Cole and Gavin.

Predeceased by her mother-in-law, Claire Lawrence, her father-in-law, Paul Lawrence, and brother-in-law David Pearlman.

Friends may visit with the family at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ, on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM for the visitation. A wake service and words of remembrance will be held at 6:30 PM. The graveside service will be 10 AM the following day at the Maryrest Cemetery, 770 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah.

Donations in Ellen's memory may be made to Familyreach.org and would be greatly appreciated.