Ellen R. Sarnoff

With heavy hearts, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County family joins in mourning the loss of Ellen Rosenthal Sarnoff, 85, on December 23, 2016 following a long illness. A longtime local leader and philanthropist, Ellen chaired the Federation Board from 2011 to 2014. After moving to Boca Raton in 1993, Ellen embraced this community as her "new family," and served in many capacities with her whole heart, soul and "New York City drive." She took the helm as Board Chair during a challenging economy and a time of transition for the Federation. With her trademark perseverance, dignity and verve, she set a rigorous pace, reaching wide and deep, connecting diverse supporters and community partners with opportunities to help people in need. During her tenure, those connections blossomed and became palpable, along with a pervasive community warmth and pride. Ellen's term was notably marked by not only a return to stability but also to revitalization and growth - in the Annual Campaign and endowments, an expanded array of engagement and giving opportunities, beginning construction on what is now the Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences of Boca Raton on the Federation campus, and the hiring of President & CEO, Matthew C. Levin. Deeply respected for the quiet strength that belied her far-reaching capacity, profound wisdom and steady hand, Ellen also guided with a "signature style and grace." Amid her many accomplishments, she always credited her success to the leaders and donors around her. Ellen's wealth of preparation for her success as Board Chair included terms as chair of Financial Resource Development, three Annual Campaigns, Women's Philanthropy, King David Society and Lion of Judah Endowments. She also served on the Jacobson Jewish Community Foundation Board, the Finance and the Planning and Allocations Committees, and beneficiary agency boards, and was a Founding Trustee of our Jewish Women's Foundation. A recipient of the Federation's inaugural Dorothy P. Seaman Leadership Award and the national Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, Ellen also served on the JFNA National Women's Philanthropy Board. Also a passionate philanthropist, Ellen generously increased her own annual gift over the years. She became a member of the Federation's prestigious Ketubah Society that honors those whose cumulative gifts to the Federation total $1 million or higher. By endowing her annual gift through a Lion of Judah Endowment, she ensured that she would forever be able to make that difference that meant so much to her. For many years, Ellen co-sponsored the Thanksgiving Day banquet held on the Federation campus, radiating joy at helping serve the many hundreds in need who attended. And few knew that, for years, she had made visits to an elderly woman who lived alone and had no local family. Ellen gave of herself and her resources unconditionally, with an open hand and a loving heart, and one could always depend on her. It was a privilege to be part of the Federation family she loved and cared for so well, and she will be deeply missed. Ellen is survived by her mother, Doris Rosenthal; sons Gary, Kenneth (Jeanette), and Douglas (Lori); grandchildren; brother, Peter Rosenthal, and sister, Pat Mann; and by all those fortunate to have known this remarkable woman. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Rosenthal, a former vice chairman of Warner Communications, now Time Warner Inc., and her sister, Carol Maslow. May Ellen's family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may her memory always be for blessing. Private services to be held in New York; memorial service in Boca Raton at a future date. Donations in Ellen's name may be made to the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, 9901 Donna Klein Blvd., Boca Raton, Florida, 33428 or jewishboca.org/donate