Ellen Dannin A memorial service will be held at a later date. Originally from Michigan, Ellen grew up in small towns in the Midwest. She was a bright kid and pursued higher education at Antioch College before attending the University of Michigan, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts with high honors and distinction. She then returned to University of Michigan for an advanced degree in Law. After law school, Ellen worked as a clerk for Judge Cornelia Kennedy before becoming an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board. Inspired to share her wisdom through teaching, Ellen became a professor of law and held tenured positions at several law schools, including California Western, Wayne State, and Penn State. She was a visiting professor at the University of Michigan Law School, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Massey University in New Zealand. Ellen also conducted research in New Zealand as a scholar in residence at Victoria University Wellington, Otago University, and Waikato University. Ellen was a passionate writer and her scholarly articles and books focused on the areas of collective bargaining, workplace issues, and privatization. Her books include "Taking Back the Workers’ Law: How to Fight the Assault on Labor Rights" and "Working Free: The Origins and Impact of New Zealand's Employment Contracts Act.” Some of her popular articles can be found online at https://truthout.org/authors/ellen-dannin. In 2013, in honor of her accomplishments in the legal field, Ellen was given a lifetime achievement award by the Labor and Employment Relations Association. In addition to being a brilliant and talented scholar, Ellen cared deeply for workers’ rights, the environment, and world peace. Ellen joined congregations wherever she moved, and frequently gave thoughtful d’var torah (torah study). She embodied the concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and gave back to her community in all kinds of ways, including through charity, volunteering, and advocacy. In addition to her research writing, she also penned moving poetry and stories about her family. She loved animals and adopted rescue dogs throughout her life. She also enjoyed folk music and dancing, knitting, yoga, hiking, and made excellent bread. While Ellen was a serious worker, she also had a silly side and loved to crack jokes and make puns. Ellen was a dreamer who believed in the power of community to reach peace. Whenever she was out to eat and asked if she wanted anything else with her meal, Ellen would say “world peace” — both a joke but also something she hoped for. Ellen is survived by her child Finn (FKA Emma) Dannin (Zachary Aronowitz), her sister Jill Spear (Rick Spear), her sister-in-law Rosemary Dannin (Alex Culpepper), and her nieces and nephews: Sophie Dannin, Joseph Dannin, Elizabeth Jacobson (Zack Jacobson), and Margaret Spear. It is suggested that those who wish to further honor the memory of Ellen Dannin may do so by making a contribution to: Alzheimer's Association - Greater Michigan ChapterClick to Visit Charity Website Southern Poverty Law CenterClick to Visit Charity Website Doctors Without Borders-USAClick to Visit Charity Website The Sierra Club MichiganClick to Visit Charity Website Planned ParenthoodClick to Visit Charity Website |