Ellen Christie Moore

Ellen Moore Sobecki, a serene pillar of grace, fierce strength, relentless loyalty, and indomitable will, died unexpectedly from a fall on October 18 after spending a perfect day with her husband and a group of friends. That fact gives truth to one of Ellen's core philosophies: live fully and never, ever squander or take for granted this great gift of life. She was 65. Her passing leaves many hearts shaken and deeply saddened but also eternally grateful for having had her incandescent light in their lives.

Ellen was the kind of friend everyone should have and the person you definitely wanted in your corner-always and especially when things got hard. Her love was abundant, support staunch, shared wisdom illuminating, loyalty unwavering, and sense of joie de vivre magical. Her career in association management, including at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Smithbucklin, and National Restaurant Association, and earlier in restaurant operations, led her to live in different cities, at each point her collection of cherished friends growing exponentially. Back in Chicago after a hiatus, a luminous and life-changing star entered her world. Always a curious pioneer in emerging technology, she met Greg Sobecki on a dating website, falling fast and hard in an enduring, hearts-flying, storybook kind of love. In a brilliant move, he proposed in Tuscany and they married at City Hall in 2001.

Born in Kirkwood, Mo. and a hometown vagabond early on, Ellen mostly grew up in Glencoe, Ill., lovingly raised by Joanie and Lefty, and coached along by sister Lora, brothers Bob and Jerry, and a rascally crew of Shelties. With no permanent scars from their antics, the stories they share, now the stuff of legends, are stitched through with the humor and affection of a close-knit family. These bonds, having since grown to embrace an ever-larger circle of much-loved additions, remain firm, steadfast, and true.

With retirement within easy reach, Ellen, Greg, and their Shelties, Rexie and Lincoln, relocated to Mt. Pleasant, S.C. There, it was fully anticipated that life would shift to footloose, carefree enjoyment as they indulged a passion for travel-the world their oyster although with special emphasis on Italy, toasts made over crisp white and complex red wines, great meals at home and in restaurants both plain and fancy, the Zen-like comfort of yoga, daily walks, and community involvement greatly enriching her life. And yes, all of that happened, although an unexpected development barged in without warning. A triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis threw dark shade, rousing Ellen's warrior power. With steely, clear-eyed will as the weapon of choice, she dipped deep into the well of superhuman strength to endure all of the hellish treatments required. While everyone cheered that she emerged as victor, no one who knew of Ellen's ferocity and mettle was at all surprised. Her commitment to a life well lived fully re-energized, she had three post-treatment years that she embraced with gratitude, open arms, and abiding appreciation, traveling, reading, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, laughing, loving, and enjoying every good thing that came her way.

Ellen leaves behind many who mourn and try to make sense of this huge loss, including her husband Greg, who she loved devotedly and unreservedly; children Lindsey Sobecki and Alex Sobecki; her father Robert "Lefty" Moore (Susan); brother Robert Moore (Janine); sister Lora Moore; brother Jerry Moore (Lisa); nephews Robert Moore, Thomas Moore, Charlie Moore (Kathryn); niece Maggie Moore Siegert (Jake); grandniece Lily Moore; grandnephew Ben Siegert; many relatives; friends across the country and beyond; and the gorgeously groomed Prince. Her mother Joanie Moore predeceased her. A celebration of Ellen's wonderful, too-short life will be announced at a later date. Until then, give nod to Ellen by living joyfully and like each moment matters.