Ellen Beth Irie's Obituary
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 16, 1966, Ellen Beth Irie died on November 22, 2018 in Berkeley, California. She lived a life filled with grace, wisdom, and service to others.
She is survived by her boys—husband Donald Irie and sons Cole Irie and Cory Irie—her sisters, Julia Cole Stephen and Nina G. Cole, her parents, Leland Cole and Carol Cole, and her colleagues at Informing Change, where she served as President & CEO. In all aspects of her life, Ellen’s faith in the good intentions of others made her a steadfast partner, guide, and friend.
Family was the center of Ellen’s universe. She derived joy by witnessing the joy of those she loved. Her love, respect, and appreciation for Don knew no bounds. Along with a love for cute animals, she and Don shared a home, a family, and a life in the Berkeley hills. She loved Cole and Cory. She was proud of who they were and had abiding confidence in who they would become.
As a leader at Informing Change, Ellen found her own way. She was always true to herself, yet with great humility, she never stopped growing and learning from others. She led with compassion and made space for women and families in the workplace. Her sharp insights, gentle humor, and clear-eyed judgment set hundreds of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations on a path toward making positive social change. With uncompromising integrity and commitment to others, she compelled her colleagues and nonprofit clients to think critically about the challenges we face and the solutions within our reach—always in service of a better, more just world.
For the last four years, Ellen lived with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), enduring a brutal disease and treatment with quiet, steely tenacity. Most people, upon receiving such a devastating diagnosis, would radically change their lives. But Ellen was already living the life she wanted, and she continued filling her days, until her very last, with conversations with her nonprofit clients and sideline cheers at her boys’ various athletic endeavors.
Ellen will forever dance with and through our memories.
Ellen will be laid to rest at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, California. We hope you will join us in remembering Ellen on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 3pm at University Lutheran Chapel, 2425 College Avenue in Berkeley, California.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ellen’s honor to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.
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