Ellin Karlin Blumenthal, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at the incredible age of 96.  Ellin was truly remarkable. Everyone that had the privilege to meet Ellin knew just how special she was and felt equally the same in her presence. There are some people who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains, Ellin is that light.
Ellin held many titles throughout her 96 years both personally and professionally. However, her most treasured were those of: Mom to Eric, Gary (Alya), Mark, and Larry Michelson, Grannie to Melissa (Matthew) Lyster, Granny to Michelle Michelson, Mom Mom to Kyle Michelson, and Grandmother to Rachel Michelson, Sasha Michelson, Isaiah Michelson, and Grace Michelson, and GG to Collin and Crew Lyster, and wife to the late Bernhard Blumenthal.
Ellin was born on August 14, 1928, to Esther and Jospeh Karlin, and was sister to the late Larry and Arthur Karlin. She was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Philadelphia High School, then attended Temple University. A quote in Ellin's high school yearbook read, "Ellin is proof that beauty and brains do mix." Ellin exemplified that statement and regardless of circumstance, Ellin made the most out of every opportunity she had or did not have. One of her favorite quotes, when speaking of herself was, "I earned it," and she sure did. Ellin worked harder, sacrificed more, and despite it all, was generous beyond measure. There was no greater joy for Ellin than to enrich the lives of those around her.
Professionally, Ellin started door to door sales as a young single mother to four boys. Her hard work and determination led her to her monumental forty-one year long career at Temple University as the Associate Director for the Institute of Survey Research, to which she retired from in 2009 at the age of 81. Ellin's devotion rang true in all that she did and her desire for excellence was unmatched, not just for herself but for others.
Many people who met Ellin would say, "she is my favorite person." Although this speaks about how truly unique, gifted, intelligent, beautiful, athletic, strong, brave, and wonderful she was, it was also because Ellin brought out and recognized the best in each of us.  How lucky are we to have known her; a woman so incredible that saying goodbye is the hardest part of all.
Ellin is undoubtedly dancing on tables and eating all of the chocolate ice cream that her heart desires. She has many loved ones she leaves behind but also many that she has been waiting to rejoin. The greatest gift we can give Ellin is gratitude, not grief. Her life was a blessing, with memories to treasure, she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. The tapestry of our hearts will never be the same without you Ellin, we were the lucky ones to call you ours. In Ellin's honor, donations can be made to The Hereditary Disease Foundation: https://hdfoundation.org/