By Randie Bencanann, LCSW
Adoption Connection Co-director
Ellen Roseman, a strong and important presence in open adoption for the past 30 years, sadly passed away this past Saturday, April 20th. Ellen will be remembered for her tireless advocacy for open adoption records and helping birthparents and adopting parents create meaningful relationships throughout their lives. While always professional, Ellen often went the extra step, bringing birthparents into her home when extra care and tenderness were needed. She was a lovely, lively, and enthusiastic person. I had the wonderful privilege of meeting with her and birthparents at her home, where there was always good food (she often made us lunch), great coffee, and a warm and inviting feeling. Some of my fondest memories are of going to meet a birthmother at Ellen’s during the Christmas holidays. Her house would be beautifully decorated with an abundance of holiday decorations to warm the heart of this Jewish social worker. It was like stepping into Santa’s Workshop.
On a totally personal note, one night I went out dancing with my husband to the Starlight Room at the top of the St. Francis Hotel only to run into Ellen on a date. We talked about our love for dancing, and later she told me about her total obsession with Zydeco dancing. She was a woman of many talents and passions.
Ellen was a pioneer in the field of open adoption. All the happy, healthy families of open adoption she helped create are her legacy.