NORFOLK – Seven days following her 100th birthday, our mother, Ellen Van Os, left us.
Ellen was a life affirming woman who loved to have fun, was the finest dancer, and absolutely defined perseverance. Born and raised in Norfolk, Ellen and her teenage friends enjoyed weekend dances, Ocean View, and Virginia Beach.
After graduating from Maury High School, Ellen attended Mary Washington College with a focus on fashion design. She volunteered for the War Effort (WWII), and then had the great adventure of living in NYC where she was a buyer for prestigious Bonwit Teller (both in NYC and later in Chicago) and she walked everywhere! Ellen was dedicated to her family and constantly planned trips and camp experiences for her children. She was equally devoted to her mother, sister, and brother – they remained a close family unit. At age 50 Ellen began her real estate career. She was a top producing agent and one of the first local women to earn her broker’s license.
In recent years Ellen found immeasurable pleasure in her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and three generations of devoted nieces and nephews. Ellen was pre-deceased by her parents Henry M. Van Os and Eloise Lowenberg Van Os, her sister Betty Van Os Crockin and her brother Henry S Van Os.
She is survived by her children Beth Front Averett of Norfolk, Samuel Edward Front (Adriana) of Schererville, Ind., Ann Front Hergenreder (Leo) of Heathsville Va., and Henry Van Os Front of Denver, Col. as well as seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made to the Ohef Sholom Temple Archives, Norfolk,Va. Arrangements by Altmeyer Funeral Homes. Graveside service took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.altmeyerfh.com.