Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

University at Buffalo

Ellen Friedman Obituary

Friedman, Ellen, of Coral Springs, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2004 following a battle with lung cancer. She was the beloved wife of Russ Kussack and devoted mother of Noah Friedman Kussack and Jesse Friedman Kussack. She is also survived by her loving sister Debby Friedman of Coconut Creek and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Born in Schenectady, NY, Ellen graduated from Linton High School and received her bachelors and masters degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Ellen began her teaching career in upstate New York prior to moving to Florida with her family in 1980. She taught at J.R. Taravella High School where she was instrumental in developing the ProStart Culinary Arts program for high school students. In addition, Ellen was recognized by the Florida Restaurant Association for her spectacular efforts in preparing students for the ProStart Culinary Team competitions where many of her students were recognized for their skills level. Ms. Friedman was also a contributing editor to the Glencoe/McGraw-Hill textbook entitled Culinary Essentials, published in May of 2001. Ellen served on the Educators Advisory Council for the Florida campus of Johnson and Wales University and received the Johnson and Wales University medal "for those who have gone the extra mile for the industry and for the education of young people." In addition to her professional life, Ellen was an avid reader and will be remembered for her love of cooking, tennis and boating with her family. Interment will take place at the Star of David Memorial Gardens and Funeral Chapel, 7701 Bailey Road North Lauderdale at 11:15 AM on Wednesday, November 17, 2004. A period of mourning will be observed at the Friedman-Kussack residence, Wednesday through Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellen's memory may be made to The American Lung Association of Florida - South Area, 2020 S. Andrews Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sun-Sentinel on Nov. 16, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Friedman

18 Entries

Erma Valdez

December 3, 2004

Dear Russ, Noah,Jessie,Debbie

My deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear wife, mother and sister. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I didn't get to see Ellen often, but when I saw her it was a great pleasure. She had a few of my students and we shared our concerns for them. She also shared some wonderful recipes with me.

She was a loving person, I will miss her dearly.

Carol sarel

December 2, 2004

Dear Ellen-You will be greatly missed. Being a fellow faculty member with you has been my great pleasure. I wish we had been given more time to know each other on a personal level, but professional demands and logistics would not allow it. Thank you for your contributions to the enrichment of all of the students you touched over the years. Rest in peace and god speed to a better place.

Vinette Green

November 22, 2004

To Russ, Noah, Jessie, Debbie:

Ellen was an inspiration to all those who came in contact with her. For me, she was a strong support as a mother, a colleague, and a good role model in several ways.I will always remember her.

God bless you all.

Vinette

Suzanne Tresser-Sinberg

November 22, 2004

Dear Russ, Jesse, Noah, and Debbie,

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your wife, mother, sister and friend. Whenever I saw Ellen, I knew there was another devout Seminole around. We would briefly chat about the season and our children. I still see her in her white coat as she filled the air with wonderful smells. She will be dearly missed. May time pass quickly, never to erase the wonderful memories, but to ease all of your pain.

Sincerest wishes,

Suzanne T-Sinberg

Dawn,Jerry, Russell & Marlena Hall

November 22, 2004

Dear Russ, Noah and Jesse,

My deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear wife and mother Ellen.We at Taravella will miss Ellen terribly - her beautiful smile, her wonderful sense of humor, the little chats about our children that we would have in the hallway. Those we love never leave us. We will keep Ellen in our hearts forever.

Mark Montimurro

November 22, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ellen Friedman. She was a wonderful woman that touched the lives of all she came in contact with. I'm proud to have called her a friend, and I will miss her dearly.

Susan LeMay

November 20, 2004

Debby, Russ & Family,

My deepest heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Ellen was a wonderful person. I have memories of Ellen, when Debby and I were growing up as teenagers. She was in college at the time and how I admired her!Debby always got her to smile even when Ellen thought we were silly at that age!I have an ache in my heart for her entire family.

She will be missed! Love, Susan

Ellen and students preparing secretary's lunch

November 19, 2004

Ann & Joe Sasso

November 18, 2004

Russ,Noah & Jessie

We are deeply sadden for your loss. Joe & I both had good memories with your mother on the side lines at the soccer games. Our trips to tourments together were always fun. One thing I did know about your mother is she truly loved her children. Please be strong & my prays are with you all.

Trina Stassen

November 17, 2004

My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Friedman's family. I played soccer with Jessie at Taravella, and her mom was always there cheering for Jessie and our whole team. She helped us for our spaghetti dinners!! My family and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Johanna Carbuccia

November 16, 2004

My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Friedman's family and friends. I had Mrs. Friedman my Junior and Senior year(02-03). Mrs. Friedman helped me alot and inspired me to do better in life. The way she taught her students, and the time she took to reach out and help her students, like we were her own children. She was my teacher and my friend. I will never forget Mrs. Friedman and the impact she made in my life.

Marcy & Stephen Siegel

November 16, 2004

Russ, Noah and Jessie,

We were so saddened to hear the news about Ellen. She was such a wonderful lady. We always enjoyed seeing you both at temple functions when we lived in Parkland. Our fondest memory was a superbowl party at your house....She always knew how to have a great time!!

Our thoughs are with you at this time.

Diana Weber

November 16, 2004

I am deeply saddened to hear about Ellen Friedman. She was such an amazing person, with such a big heart. As well as a great teacher. I had her for Food Production my Junior and Senior year of the 98-99 school year. She was always there for you whenever you needed her! She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Jamie Kahn

November 16, 2004

hi my name is Jamie and i am 18 years old. in the school year of 03-04 i was enrolled in mrs.freidman's one hour culinary cooking class. i grew fond of her and i will miss her deeply. i will visit her sister more often and talk with her.ellen became some what of a mother to me when i was in school.when i came to get my class schedule for this year and i didn't see her name on my paper i went to my dean and said change my schedule. they said she isn't coming back and i just started to cry. everytime when mr.cerra would make a announcement i would feel a sick to my stomac kind of feeling at the pit of my stomac that it would be about her. a few days ago i stopped dredding it because i didn't want to think about it . but on nov 15th in second hour when i herd the loss of my friend i signed out of school locked myself in my room and didn't come out.i will miss her always i hope she will rest in peace. i love you ellen you will always be in my heart ( if there is anything i can do to help please call my cell )(954)234-5467

Debbie Bouhenguel

November 16, 2004

I was deeply saddened to hear of Ms. Freidman's passing. Though I only knew of her through JPT functions, she impressed me as a wonderful teacher and an outstanding role model. Her students were professional in their preparations, presentations and demeanor. She was a great asset to JPT and will no doubt be greatly missed by all. Though her passing will leave a huge void, her family should take comfort in the fact that her gifts will live on in the hundreds of students (and their parents) that she inspired.

Betsy Powers

November 16, 2004

Russ, Noah and Jessie,

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. I developed a special bond with your Mom, I will miss her. She was a terrific lady. We had some great times on the tennis court.

Bruce, Doreen, & Michael Fried

November 16, 2004

Ellen was more then a educateor, she had a way about her, a way to inspire her students, becouse of Ellen, my son Michael wants to follow in her foot steps.

Ellen you are a inspiration and will surely be missed.

Sandy

November 16, 2004

mrs. friedman was a wonderful lady. I was in her pro start 1,2, class my 10th and 11th grade year, and truely enjoyed it. I know the whole family and all her freinds will miss her dearly, but also all the staff, students, and everyone at JP Taravella HS will miss her too. To her sister other mrs.friedman I was shocked to hear the news when Mr. Cerra told the whole student body and staff about your sister . If you should need anything please don't hold back on asking the whole Taravella Family is here for you and now u need to take there help. I know how it feels to loose a loved one i have lost 3 close family members. ( my sister at the age of 26, my papa at 69, and just this past july my grandma.) so please take care and i am very hurt to hear the news of the lost of such a wonderful teacher, freind, mother, sister, Mrs. friedman.

R-I-P- Mrs. Ellen Friedman.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results