Ellen Jeanine Schwartz
March 23, 1953 - December 23, 2018
Obituary
NEW GLARUS-Ellen J. Schwartz, age 65, died on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, at UW Hospital. She was born in Monroe, Wis., Green County, the daughter of Alan and Noda (Jacobson) Schwartz. Ellen graduated from Monroe Senior High School and received her B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from UW-Platteville. She served on the Madison Police Department from 1977 until 2006, retiring at the rank of captain of police. Ellen volunteered with the Sexual Assault Recovery Program in Green County after retirement, later becoming a part-time victim/survivor advocate. Ellen also served as a volunteer board member with The Madison Rainbow Project and worked less formally with community non-profits in Green County serving families impacted by violence or trauma and survivors of domestic abuse. She was also involved with the Monroe Optimists. Ellen married Rich Cowan on Dec. 18, 1994. Ellen is survived by her husband Rich; sisters, Marie (Steve) Wilke of Glendale, Wis., Stacie (Walter) Meyer of Madison, Wis., Theresa (Dean) Hodnett of Saint Paul, Minn., and Patti (Ricky) Brinkmann of Winneconne, Wis.; brothers, Claire (Barb Atkinson) Schwartz of Monticello, Wis., Mark (Ann) Schwartz of Watertown, Wis., Neal (Cindy) Schwartz and Alan P. Schwartz, both of Monroe, Wis.; many nieces, nephews and their partners/significant others; and her sisters of Gamma Phi Sorority. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marlene (Phil) Welton of Mountain, Wis.; and sister-in-law, Cheryl Schwartz. A Memorial Service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, and again from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Green County Abuse Prevention Team, or Green Haven Family Advocates, both located at 1811 11th St., Monroe, WI 53566, or The Rainbow Project, 831 E Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703. The family extends heartfelt appreciation for the doctors, nurses and staff at UW Hospital and the UW Carbone Cancer Center for the care provided and enabling Ellen years of extended life lived with quality. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Rd.
(608) 442-5502
Events
Visitation
Sun Dec 30, 2018 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Visitation
Mon Dec 31, 2018 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Memorial Service
Mon Dec 31, 2018 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Photos
No photos of Ellen have been shared yet.
Memories
S(
Sandra Sefton (Jacobson)
Other •
As I prepare for Christmas with family , I think of our Jacobson Christmas. Busting the seams of even the large SWARTZ home. Ellen is a cousin I admired. Serving with the police and later a strong advocate for women. She gave of herself with family, friends and those in need. While tears will flow freely these next weeks. This Christmas is very Special homecoming in heaven,. I will miss seeing your fathers twinkle in your eyes and his mischievous smile. You had Noda’s Strength and servants heart. This world is a better place because of you.
Love ,
Sandra Sefton
MK
Marypat Klee
Other •
Fond memories of Ellen when we were Gamma Phi Beta pledge sisters at the University of Wisconsin at Platteville. My prayers are with her family.
PW
Phillip Welton
Other •
Ellen follows her Sister Marlene (my Wife) to heaven. During a very difficult time in my life, Ellen was my rock, my support, my go to person who took care of the many things that helped me along the way. Thank you Ellen for all that you have done for me and my family. We will Love and remember you forever.
W
Wally
Other •
You are barely gone and we are left wondering how to fill the hole in our hearts. You were one of the most gentle, kind and generous friends I have ever known. If the world had more people like Ellen, what a wonderful place this would be. Wally
LD
Linda Dawson
Other •
I’m so sorry to her that Ellen passed away. My sincere condolences to Rich and their family. She was one of a kind. Compassionate, caring, smart. A good law enforcement officer who understood the dynamics of sensitive crimes and the impact on survivors and families. Her legacy will live on.
LH
Liz Hickman
Other •
Oh Gosh - I am beyond sad............. I knew Ellen for only about a year and a half but she had a major impact on my life - I helped in she and Rich's wonderful home - filled with love, joy, hospitality and a view beyond belief........... When I first met Ellen, I didn't know very much - she never complained, ever, nor did Rich - But I realized, soon after, that Ellen was fighting the fight of her life - private but sharing too - such utter class and strength - such a loyal and incredible love for her family, friends and Rich above all else - I loved her stories - She loved all of you so much!..........She was one of those people that I strive to be more like - I'm pretty sure that that's what we are are feeling - A real toughy she was - a rock altogether, with an iron grip, nerves of steel but with such a kind and compassionate heart - gentle ......... Brings out the best in all of us - I wish Rich and your family so much comfort - Such a hard time and I am so sorry........ But what a stellar woman to know and love - So very lucky and blessed we are for that - I will always be so grateful for spending time with Ellen........ In Peace and sending comfort to each of you - Life is not fair but we will all share love and memories for wonderful Ellen!, Liz Hickman XO