Funeral Details

Ellen Gershanov London passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on July 11, 2026. Ellen, who had been in excellent health, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia just one year ago.

Ellen was born on January 9, 1960, in Chicago, IL to Ann Meyer Gershanov z”l and Peter Gershanov z”l. She was raised in Lincolnwood, attended the University of Michigan, and Duke University School of Law, where she met her beloved husband, Jeffrey London. They were married 40 and a half years and had two beautiful sons, Adam z”l and Joshua (Lainie Liebman London) London

Ellen practiced law, first in Pittsburgh, then Chicago – both in house and for several law firms. She then devoted herself to raising her two boys, and serving the community, ultimately earning her master’s degree in public policy from National Louis University.

Ellen was also very involved in her community. She served as PTO President of Walden Elementary School in Deerfield and subsequently won election to the District 109 School Board, where she served three terms. A well-regarded, thoughtful, creative, diligent, unifying leader, she was appointed to and served two terms as President of the School Board. This was the longest tenure of any School Board President in the district.

During her terms, Ellen’s accomplishments were numerous. She was a long-time advocate for inclusion and accessibility, and as president of the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, she oversaw their merger with the Northern Suburban Special Education District to successfully integrate programming for special needs students in 18 local schools.

Later in life, Ellen took her volunteerism to the Pilsen Food Pantry, where she helped to systemize their food delivery processes, working with other volunteers and recipients.

Upon the passing of her son, Adam z”l, Ellen and Jeff created the Adam S. London Endowed Fund for Genomic Research at Northwestern University.

In her spare time, Ellen enjoyed playing Mahjong, solving puzzles, needlepointing (always creating something for those she loved), taking baking lessons especially with her son, Joshua, and cooking and baking in her home kitchen. She frequently made challah from scratch and often provided her services to her family and friends on their wedding day.

Ellen was a true friend of many, and she is survived by those who loved her most: her beloved husband, Jeffrey, son Joshua and daughter-in-law Lainie. She was a dear sister to Holly Gershanov Nelson (Norm Nelson) and sister-in-law of Michael London (Janice) and Beth Cohen. Ellen was a devoted daughter in law of Karen and Larry z”l London. She was a loving aunt of Daniel (Miriam) Nelson, Sarah Nelson, Daniel (Alexandra) London, Christopher (Alysia) London, Arielle (Matthew) Kovach and Alexis (Nathanial) Bidwell. She was an adored great aunt, niece, and cousin of many.

Service Tuesday 12 noon at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Interment Westlawn. Donations may be made in Ellen's memory to the Adam S. London Endowed Fund for Genomic Research at Northwestern University. To do so, please use this link feinberg.nu/LondonGenomics or by check made out to Northwestern University, indicating "Adam London Fund."Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Arthur J. Rubloff Building, 420 East Superior Street, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611 or Pilsen Food Pantry, 2124 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60608, www.pilsenfoodpantry.com would be appreciated. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com

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