Irene Biederman Ellis, 84, completed her beautiful life on Jan. 14, surrounded by love.
She was born on Oct. 5, 1941, to Reeva and Harry Biederman in Kansas City. She graduated from Southwest High School and attended University of Missouri - Columbia.
Irene was a force. She took charge with a rare blend of strength and kindness. She showed up not just for celebrations but also for challenges. She had a sense that life could change at any moment, and instead of living in fear of that, she made sure to celebrate milestones, offer support during tough times and not miss anything in between.
She had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued. If she loved you, you knew it through her words, gifts and thoughtful gestures. Her easy laugh made her everyone’s favorite audience for a good joke. Witty and quick on her feet, she received compliments with humility, often turning them into a shared laugh.
Irene’s life centered on family. She and husband Saul had two wonderful sons that she loved fiercely, and they gifted her with five adored grandchildren. Extended family dinners were never complete without more than enough food, spirited political debate and lots of laughter. She didn’t shy away from voicing her views, but she knew exactly how to cut tension and move the group onto other topics. Serving as the family’s central hub, she was the organizer, planner, decorator, communicator and steady presence during life’s big and small moments.
She and her husband, Saul, built a thriving home building/development business, with Irene modifying architectural drawings (always more closets), decorating show models and personally serving as foreman on more than 150 homes as well as 433 Ward Parkway, a mid-rise luxury condo building on the Plaza. Despite it being a male-dominated industry at the time, she garnered respect from the construction crews who appreciated her direct and decisive approach.
She and Saul were fortunate to travel all over the world. They also shared a love of art. Irene had an eye for it, often seeking pieces from young new talent who years later became well-known artists. Her favorite artist, however, was Saul, who crafted many fine pieces displayed throughout their home.
She was a history buff, Bridge Life Master and tennis player into her 80s. Over the years, she and Saul quietly donated funds to countless organizations in the community. Irene was accomplished in many ways, but her favorite titles were wife, mom, sister, “nana” and friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Reeva Biederman Brown and Harry Biederman; and stepfather Paul Brown.
Irene is survived by her husband of 62 years, Saul Ellis; sons James Ellis (Shelley Collins) and Michael (Jessica) Ellis; Mindi Ellis; sister and best friend Phyllis (Shel) Roufa; grandchildren Hersh, Shayna, Jo, Reece and Eliza Ellis, Kassandra (John) Binning, James Jensen (of blessed memory) and Sabrina Collins; sisters-in-law Cynthia Ellis (David Ellis, of blessed memory) and Rita Goldman (Sanford Goldman, of blessed memory); nieces/nephews Gregory Roufa, Brian (Sarah) Roufa, Jonathan Ellis, Elizabeth Ellis (Scott Martin), Rabbi Yehoshua (Raissa) Ellis, Linda Cherwitz, Howard Goldman, Maureen (Larry) Goldstein and Maxine (Roark) Weil; extended family; and lifelong friends that she loved like family.
Funeral service was held on Jan. 16 Louis Memorial Chapel followed by burial at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Lewy Body Dementia Association, Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank devoted caregivers LaTonia/Chelle Nolen and Shannon Manning, who gently and steadfastly accompanied Irene through her final two years.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.