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Ellen Resnick Obituary
Ellen was a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in both San Francisco and Redwood City specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Ellen was passionate about helping people live happier lives. Ellen was an Assistant Clinical Professor in the department of psychiatry at UCSF from 1995-2003 and continued on as volunteer Faculty. She lectured extensively throughout the Bay Area and was the director for the Center for Thoughtful Weight Loss.
Beyond her love of helping others, Ellen's joy in life came from spending time with family and friends, travelling, creating a beautiful home, and spending time with her dogs Red and Bogie.
Ellen is survived by her beloved husband Mark Himelstein; her mother Bernice Resnick of Franklin Lakes NJ; step daughter Samantha Himelstein of San Mateo, CA; her brothers Lee Resnick and his wife Deborah of Glen Rock NJ and Jay Resnick and his wife Barbara of Orange CT. Ellen is also survived by her three nieces and one nephew, Amy Resnick, and her fiancé Jonathan Bacharach of Queens NY; Emily Banach and her husband David of Woodbridge CT; and Alisa Resnick, and her fiancé Matt Kaufman of Woodside NY and Andrew Resnick of Glen Rock NJ. Ellen is also survived by her one great nephew Sam, son of Emily and David Banach.
Private family services will be held under the direction of SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL, San Francisco with a memorial and celebration of her life to be scheduled and announced at a future date. Charitable donations in memory of Ellen may be sent to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network at www.bcan.org, or to the charity of your choice and are greatly appreciated, and preferred.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Resnick
Sponsored by Sinai Memorial Chapel Chevra Kadisha.
Lauren Wohl
June 29, 2017
I am so sad and in shock to find out just now that Ellen died. Ellen changed my life, when neither I nor anyone else could, as I was struggling with innumerable issues in my twenties. She had a gift with words. Ellen was the only therapist I've ever had since I was 13 (now 35) who could leave me speechless, unable to think of an answer to one of her many probing questions. Ellen was also my inspiration for having completed my graduate degree in social work and introduced me to CBT. Even though I moved back to NYC in 2008 and hadn't seen her since then, I intermittently sought her advice regarding my career. Then when I became frustrated a few times, feeling like no other therapist in NYC could measure up to her, I'd call Ellen to have a phone session. Well that's exactly the circumstance I found myself in tonight, when -- after a few years of not speaking to her -- I tried to first call her old number, and then googled her...only to learn the tragic news. I'm doubtful that there is any other therapist I will ever meet who will be as intelligent, witty, warm and supportive as Ellen was. I will really miss her, but feel very grateful to have met someone of her character, who helped me immeasurably. Ellen will also always be my guiding star with my own patients.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family/friends. I remember how highly she spoke of Marc. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. RIP.
Beth Burns
January 21, 2017
I just learned this terrible news. I was one of Ellen's patients--she helped me so much and in so many ways. I was hoping that she was getting better and I would be able to work with her again--what would Ellen say about that has been my north star. She was wise and the only person who could tell me to do something and I would do it. Ellen gave me so much support, advice and perspective--she helped me though a really difficult time and adjust to my new reality. She helped me see that it was different but not bad at all and in fact better in most ways. She changed my life and I will miss her terribly. RIP. I will always think of you as one of my guardian angles.
Ann M
November 27, 2016
November 27, 2016
I just found out (by Googling) that Ellen had passed away. She was one of the kindest people I have ever know. She had such a dynamic personality, witty, intelligent, caring, and immensely helpful. I missed seeing her for my weekly session when she was ill, and did not realize that I would now be forced to miss her forever. And I definitely will miss her always. But the strongest feeling I have is that she led a life worth living, mainly because she determined it to be so. And that is what she inspired me to do for my own life too. How lucky I am to have crossed paths with such an amazing person. She might be gone physically, but she is still with us in spirit.
Christie
October 31, 2016
I am in shock and heartbroken to hear this news about Ellen. The last session I had with her was in July 2015. I did not know she was sick. She had helped me tremendously with my anxiety and relationship issues. I still can't believe she has passed. She was truly amazing. I feel like she looked out for me and my best interest, like I was her own daughter. My condolences to her husband Mark and the Resnick family. Peace be with you, Ellen. It was an honor to have known you.
Debbie W
October 26, 2016
Ellen did so much for so many for so long. She was a miracle - kind, caring, sensitive, insightful, with so much intelligence and grace and humor. For the past 20 years I have known that no matter what happened, Ellen Resnick had my back. I will miss her forever.
Carol Mohalley
October 17, 2016
Ellen, oh Ellen. It is so very sad to have to say goodbye to such an amazing person so early in her life. When Ellen told her patients that she had cancer, it was clear to me that this could't possibly be a life threatening illness and she would be back to care for her patients as she did with such amazing care, concern, support. In all the psychotherapists I have ever worked with, there is only one Ellen. One word to describe Ellen "Amazing". She was always there with thoughtful input. She would send a text in between appointments with suggestions and ideas. Throughout her illness, I have kept her and her caring husband and dogs, Red and Bogie, in constant prayer.
Mark, there are no words, but know as time passes the pain will lessen.
The passing of Ellen saddens me more than one can know. Shalom Ellen.
Emmeline
October 16, 2016
I am so saddened to hear of Ellen's passing. I started seeing Ellen in my early twenties and she quickly became the guidance I needed to navigate through the anxiety and depression that had troubled me since adolescence. With Ellen's support, I am now stronger, more mature, more confident, and much better equipped to manage the stressors in life. I would not be where I am today without Ellen's support. I will always have fond memories of leaving her office and stepping onto Irving Street feeling lighter, feeling stronger.
To Ellen's family and her beloved pets, please accept my condolences. While Ellen's time here was short, it is clear that she made a tremendous impact on the lives of many.
David R
October 13, 2016
Ellen you will be missed. You had a zest for life that is unparalleled. I LOVED the videos that you made for us. Your passion, experience and warmth will be treasured in all of our hearts.
Claire Siverson
October 11, 2016
I loved Ellen's "spark" - for learning, for teaching, for living, for loving her friends, family and her pups, Bogie and Red. Even her hair had "spark!"
She was curious about pretty much everything in life, especially how people tick, cope and move through hard times. I think she would want us all to "allow" our feelings right now - not fight them. And as we allow we move through them, "redirecting" the irrational stuff so we can carry on best we can, with gratitude for all the good in our lives. And that's just one small part of her vast legacy. I'm so grateful to have been able to count Ellen as a colleague and a friend.
Jessica Galloway
October 7, 2016
I can not tell you how sad I was to hear of Ellen's passing. Ellen was my therapist for 10 years during my own struggle with cancer. She brought strength, humor, good common sense, perspective and lots of love to me. We also shared our absolute love of dogs, and were always sharing our newest and cutest pictures of our dogs. I hope Bogie and Red are providing some comfort to those around them. Ellen, I will miss you, but you will always live in my heart. Sending love and prayers to Mark.
Lui v.z.
October 4, 2016
When I met Ellen I was drowning psychologically. Ellen threw me a life raft, helped me reel myself in, and then taught me how I went down and tools to prevent that in the future - or cut it off at the pass. She essentially helped save my life. That's all I needed, but then she taught me how to understand what makes me happy and fulfilled, and pursue it daily. Words can't express the good this person brought into the world and the profound difference she made.
Ashley M
October 2, 2016
Ellen taught me great life lessons that remain with me today. I can still hear her voice steering me. I will forever be grateful to her. Her kindness, her compassion and her guidance saw me through a challenging time and let me to the other side. Only the other day I was thinking about reaching out to let her know my update and to just check in. It has been several years since we have connected. I am saddened to hear of her passing. Mark, she always talked so fondly about you when we were together. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and your family.
September 30, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Resnick family. May you find comfort in knowing how Ellen helped so many, and experience the peace from God which surpasses all understanding. Pup. 4:6,7
Gloria & Michael Hasel
September 29, 2016
Our deepest sympathies. She was taken away much too soon, but while she was with her many friends and family she made enduring marks on our souls with her kindness and thoughtfulness. Her spirit will live on forever in those whose lives she touched.
Mena Blue
September 29, 2016
Ellen was quite an amazing woman to have captured the heart and soul of Mark and been such a sweet step-mother to Samantha. My condolences go out to all her family. I'm so sorry for your loss. She was certainly a bright light on this planet. Her passing is a tragic loss to all who knew and loved her.
Pam Conlon- Sandhu RN
September 29, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Mark at this most difficult time. Take care and peace in knowing that Ellen is now at peace and will always be with you. Such a brave woman who touched many lives and will be missed by many, may she now rest in peace amongst the stars.
Ellen Haller
September 28, 2016
Ellen was a ray of light in my life, and I hate that her light has been dimmed, way too prematurely. She was an amazingly empathic and skilled therapist; I learned a ton from her and feel so very lucky to have directly witnessed her clinical acumen. But, in addition to the deep pleasure of working with her, what a joy to have her as a close friend. Rest easy dear one. I'll miss your wicked sense of humor and your laughter.
Bay
September 28, 2016
I'll always remember Ello waiting for me at the BART station my first month in San Francisco. She wore a poncho, briefly back in fashion. I was 20 years old, on my own, and my sister - a graduate school friend - had frantically called her to look after me. And she did. We were instantly close, and she was instantly more than a sister. She was home.
I envied her hair, her spirit, and her good sense. She was a woman of rare humor and dogged wisdom. Some of it was hard-won, but all of it was hers, entirely. She had a unique way of making everyone feel loved.
I've never fully believed there is a heaven, but if there is such a place, Ello is sitting up there now, comforting others - because that was her great joy.
Jennifer
September 28, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss to Ellen's husband and family. She was a kind and thoughtful person that helped so many people find peace in their own lives.
Sandra Himelstein
September 28, 2016
Ivan Pittaluga
September 28, 2016
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Jaedon Kim
September 27, 2016
My heart is with you in this time of sorrow.
Terry Savan
September 27, 2016
Ellen was such a rare and playful soul with the gift of laughter, of compassion, of insight, of kindness, of courage. She was a brilliant wife, mother, aunt, daughter, sister, niece, friend, clinician, colleague, and educator, and was loved and admired by so many. My deepest condolences to Marc & to her family, friends, clients, students and loved ones for this unimaginable loss.
Leslie Barber
September 27, 2016
My deepest condolences to Ellen's family. My husband died of cancer last June and Ellen was the most incredible support for me during his illness and my grieving. I am a putting one foot in front of the other because of Ellen and I am so grateful to have known her. My life will be better because of her, as will the life of my young daughter. She was the most special person and she will be so very missed. Warm hugs to her family.
Kim Pak
September 27, 2016
Words are never adequate in moments like this. May thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please be comforted in knowing that Ellen is resting in a more peaceful, pain free place.
Kim Pak RN
Paul Fishman and Mike Kurokawa
September 27, 2016
We are deeply saddened as we join you in saying goodbye to dear Ellen. She was a gem with whom we had just a few moments on this journey, and at each one of them, she shared stories and listened to ours with her light and her laughter and her profound presence. We will miss her and remember her as the blessing she was and will always be in our world.
Andrea Hendricks
September 27, 2016
Ellen was one of my important mentors. She taught me so much about being genuine clinician and successful businesswoman. Above and beyond that she was my friend. I loved and love her and will miss her so much.
Andrea Hendricks
Eli Gass
September 27, 2016
Condolences to the whole family. We are so sorry for your loss. Although we are far away our love and support will always be here for you and we will always keep you in our prayers.
Greg and Laurie Papadopoulos
September 27, 2016
May Ellen's memory be a blessing. Our love and sincerest sympathies.
mark himelstein
September 27, 2016
Ellen was the love of my life.
Ellen got great joy from helping others.
I am very sad but grateful she is no longer suffering.
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
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Sinai Memorial Chapel Chevra Kadisha1501 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
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