Ellen Sue Cardonick Collins wife and life partner of, Roland Collins of King of Prussia, passed quietly holding her beloved husband’s hand on Monday, December 11, 2017, at Paoli Hospital.
She was born December 20, 1948 in Philadelphia, PA, the daughter of Reuben and Gertrude (Gaston) Cardonick. Ellen graduated George Washington High School and later in the class of 1972 at Temple University. She taught Physical Education in the Philadelphia School District from 1972 until she retired as Athletic Director in 1998.
Ellen was the sister of former Temple football player and Physical Education teacher, Larry Cardonick and well-known vending machine businessman, Sheldon (Shelly) Cardonick. Growing up as the “kid sister” of two avid sports enthusiasts Ellen naturally progressed to become an avid sports participant and enthusiast herself. Staring as a high-school cheerleader she later became a member of the “Philadelphia Eaglettes”.
After retiring from the Philadelphia School District, Ellen launched a successful personal training business. She was so committed to her business, teaching Zumba and personal training to her committed clients up to two weeks before her death.
She leaves to mourn, her husband Roland, step sons R.C. & Brad, grandchildren Ryan & Olivia, nephews, Daniel, Michael and Brian, nieces, Jennifer Cardonick Walker and Amy Cardonick Cohn, cousins Loraine (Surnitsky) and Leonard Duboff, her beloved friends and her fur children, Samantha, Murphy, Hip-Hop, Tucker, Frankie & Roccy.
As a committed health enthusiast, Ellen tackled her illness with a typical “can do” spirit that had defined her entire life. Supported throughout the entirety of the challenge by her husband, Roland, cousin Loraine and a committed small group of loving friends, including, Alex Scipione, her Zumba ladies, and Donna Debs, Vivian Loewenstern, Joyce Goodman, Bonnie Mazzeo and Vivienne Crawford who referred to themselves as “Team Ellen” accompanying her throughout years of treatment.
Internment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance and the Department of Interventional Radiology at the Paoli Hospital.
