ELLEN RUTH LEHR BROWN

Celebrating the Life of Ellen Lehr Brown

October 10, 1944 – September 17, 2026

Ellen Ruth Lehr Brown, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, at the age of 81 at Robert Wood Johnson Memorial Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. She was surrounded by the family she adored and leaves behind a legacy of laughter, service, and passionate conversation.

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Born on October 10, 1944, in Elizabeth, NJ, Ellen was the daughter of Dr. Frances “Fritz” Lehr and Edith Gordon Lehr.

Ellen graduated with a BA from Boston University in 1964. After spending years as an elementary school teacher in North Plainfield and Scotch Plains NJ she decided helping others was her true calling. Demonstrating her trademark determination, she returned to school and earned her MSW from Rutgers University in 1995. She poured her heart into her second career as a social worker at JFK University Medical Center and JFK Johnson Rehabilitation in Edison, NJ, where her empathy, patience, and advocacy touched countless lives.

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Passions, Politics, and Pleasing Melodies

While Ellen was deeply devoted to her family, she was a woman of vibrant, joyful interests that she loved to share with everyone around her:

· The Soundtrack of Her Life: Ellen loved music and lent her beautiful voice to her temple choir. Whether she was hitting a high note on the bimah or humming a tune around the house, music was her constant companion.

· A Cinematic Scholar: She possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of old movies. She could quote classic Hollywood with the best of them.

· The Political Enthusiast: Ellen had a lifelong passion for politics and current events. She was always ready for a lively, spirited debate around the dinner table, and while she was incredibly open-hearted, her family lovingly notes that she was rarely, if ever, proven wrong. She kept everyone on their toes and made sure those around her stayed informed.

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Ellen’s greatest joy was the beautiful family she built and nurtured. She is survived by:

· Her Devoted Husband: Michael Brown, her partner in life's great adventure.

· Her Children: Peter Brown and his wife Michele, and Gregg Brown and his wife Allison.

· Her Pride and Joy: Her five amazing grandchildren—Joshua, Ethan, Tyler, Rachel, and Jayden—who will forever miss their grandmother's warmth, playful humor, and unconditional love.

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Service, Shiva, and Memorial Tributes

· Funeral services will be held at Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple at 222 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 on Sunday, September 20th at 10 am.

· Shiva Details: The family will be having Shiva after the burial at their home 33 Kings Mill Road, Monroe Township, NJ 08831 until 5 pm

· There will be a visitation on Tuesday, September 22 at the residence from 2 to 5 pm

· In Lieu of Flowers: In keeping with Jewish tradition, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to honor Ellen's memory. Donations may be directed to either:

· The Cantor’s Music Fund (in honor of her love of singing) at the Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple in New Brunswick, NJ

· The Fritz and Edith Lehr Library at Temple Emanuel in Westfield, NJ (in honor of her mother and father's legacy)

May her memory be an eternal blessing, a source of comfort, and a reminder to always keep up with the news.