Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Ellen Dribben Lafleur


Ellen Dribben Lafleur, 95, died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, at her home in Ketchum.

She was born March 3, 1911, in Philadelphia, Pa., the child of Gertrude Gimbel and Edwin Dannenbaum. Ellen had two younger sisters, Peggy and Sue. She was privately educated and trained as a professional pianist. Her gift and love of music was a primary source of joy in her long life.

Ellen attended Barnard College and married Edgar Rossin in 1931. They had a son, Thomas E. Rossin, who became a successful banker and Florida State senator. Through Tom, Ellen had three grandsons, Allen, Michael and Tom Jr. Ellen later married the renowned engineer, Seymour Dribben, with whom she traveled the world extensively. They had a son, Adam, who after a severe bout of childhood measles, developed epilepsy and died at 27 after a brave and sad life.

After three marriages to a "who's who" in American suitors and 20 years at 7 Gracie Square in New York City and a long residence in Princeton, N.J., Ellen moved to Sun Valley in 1983. She instantly fell in love with the natural beauty of the place. She also fell in love with and soon married Rene Lafleur, the founder of the area's first bicycle shop and 34-year veteran of the Sun Valley Ski School. She was a loving and devoted wife for 14 years until his death in 1997. She had three stepsons, Joseph, Andre and Terry Lafleur.

In Sun Valley, Ellen discovered her profound and lasting love for nature and outdoor recreation. She was an avid tennis player and cross-country skier until the age of 90. She always remained active and involved in the local arts and music community and enjoyed being part of a local bridge club. Those who knew her well describe her as a fiercely loyal friend with very strong opinions. She deeply cherished her friends and took an enormous interest in their lives, especially the lives of young people. She also had a keen interest in politics and world affairs and was an ardent supporter of the Democratic Party.

She often said that it was here in Sun Valley that she found love and a deep sense of community. She will always be missed.

Ellen requested that there be no funeral service and preferred that friends and loved ones celebrate her life and friendship privately.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Doctors Without Borders, 333 7th Ave., 2nd Floor, New York City, NY 10001-5004 or The Wood River Land Trust, P.O. Box 6376, Ketchum, ID 83340.

Arrangements are under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey, Idaho.




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