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Photography Question 
- Lindley Johnson

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Ellen Hodges


Many of you know Ellen Hodges, if not in person, at least through her active participation on BetterPhoto. It was a shock to hear late last night that Ellen has passed away, quite unexpectedly. She was a talented photographer, and an even more wonderful person. She was a positive, kind, and giving person in all of her many roles, and we will miss her terribly. I had the pleasure of getting to know her through BP, and photographed with her and the other "Chicago Group" members many times. It will not be the same without her. She will be truly missed.


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April 29, 2016

 
- Nikki McDonald

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  Oh my goodness, Lindley. I am shocked and saddened. My thoughts will be with her family.


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April 29, 2016

 
- Joannie Bertucci

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  I am so, so sorry to hear of Ellen's passing, it just doesn't seem possible! I've always loved the photographers from Chicago and she was able to show us Chicago like we've never seen it before! May she rest in peace and love in the Lord! Prayers for her family! Good night Ellen!


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April 29, 2016

 
- Harriet Feagin

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  I did not know her but I did know her photography. I am saddened. May her family be comforted in these days.


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April 29, 2016

 
countryimpressions.net - Tammy M. Anderson

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  Oh no so very sad. We always commented on each others photos. I will surely miss her wonderful pictures and her kind comments. We have lost a wonderful person in our BP community. Praying for her family through this sad time.


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April 29, 2016

 
karengoldphotos.com - Karen E. Gold

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  I only knew Ellen through her wonderful captures she shared with all of us at BP. Not only did I enjoy her photos, I also enjoyed the wonderful comments that went with those photos, they always brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.



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April 29, 2016

 
- Ann Coates

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I too only knew Ellen through her beautiful and inspiring photos. I am truly saddened to hear of her passing.


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April 29, 2016

 
- Ann Coates

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I too only knew Ellen through her beautiful and inspiring photos. I am truly saddened to hear of her passing.


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April 29, 2016

 
buffalogalphotos.com - Terry Cervi

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  I had never met Ellen but was hoping to meet up with her and the Chicago gals one day. I am so sad to hear of this devastating news. She was such a talented photographer and I am going to miss her terribly. RIP, Ellen.


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April 30, 2016

 
- Carolyn M. Fletcher

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  I'm so sorry to hear this. She was a wonderful photographer and a real asset to all of us here at BP. Thoughts are with her family.


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April 30, 2016

 
- Bojan Bencic

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  Sad news. Farewell, Ellen.


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April 30, 2016

 
emptynestphotos.com - Agnes Fegan

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  So sad to hear this ... like many others, I only knew Ellen through her beautiful photos and comments. RIP


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April 30, 2016

 
- Mary Beth Aiello

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  We all have our routines. And one of mine is to check out every morning what Ellen posted here on BP. I loved to see Chicago through her eyes. Such beauty. I am grateful to have known this wonderful woman and outstanding photographer through her postings and her insightful comments. I am deeply saddened. Losing Ellen is a terrible loss, and I will miss her.


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April 30, 2016

 

Susan Williams
  So very sad. Ellen was such a wonderful inspiration and I so enjoyed her work over the years. Her family and friends may find comfort in the beautiful images she captured and shared with a joyful heart.


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April 30, 2016

 

Kay Beausoleil
  For many years, I've admired and enjoyed Ellen's work on BP, and this site will be an emptier place without her inspiration. My condolences to her family and friends.


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April 30, 2016

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Oh my goodness -- what a terribly sad thing to learn today. I think of Ellen, and the rest of the terrific ladies in the "Chicago group" often, remembering fondly my two visits to shoot with you all there. I always enjoyed her "Luv Sundays" Chicago imagery, of course the many wonderful church and architecture images that left me drooling to visit again and again... A "visual ambassador" for Chicago, I'm so glad I got to meet her and experience a little of Chicago with her.
Lindley, can you post any information you have, for memorials or condolences? Thank you for informing us!


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April 30, 2016

 
- Lindley Johnson

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  Thank you all for your lovely messages - Ellen touched so many of us with her kind and generous spirit. Chris, I'm leaving for Europe tomorrow, and don't have any information at this time about services - probably Monday or Tuesday, though. You may want to contact Leslie McLain - she'll have the information soon I think.


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April 30, 2016

 
- Melinda F. Schneider

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  What terribly sad news! Like so many of the rest of you, I'll miss seeing Ellen's wonderful photographs. She was a kind woman and an inspiration to fellow photographers. She will be sorely missed. Thoughts go out to her family...


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April 30, 2016

 
- Mitch Spence

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  So very sorry to hear this. Thoughts are with you and her family.


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April 30, 2016

 
- Leslie McLain

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  Ellen was my photo buddy who never turned me down when I suggested an early sunrise shoot or a trip to Michigan to photograph lighthouses. She loved to be out shooting. Her passing was a complete shock and the Chicago group and I will miss her immensely. Ellen was everybody's rock and her husband Terry and son Brandon will be lost without her. Besides photography she was also very involved with the Poor Clare nuns. If you wish to sign the guest book you can go to www.donnellanfuneralhome.com and click on Obituaries. Memorials can be sent to:

Poor Clare of the Immaculate Conception
12210 Will-Cook Road
Palos Park, IL 60464

We will all miss Ellen, her beautiful photos, and her wonderful spirit.

Leslie


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April 30, 2016

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you, Leslie, for sharing this information...!


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April 30, 2016

 
- Laura E. Swan

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  I am in such shock. This is so very sad...Her last post was only six days ago. Life is so fragile. I had the great honor of knowing Ellen by e-mail back and fourth and she had a heart of GOLD. Just like her images. Golden and always done with all of her heart. Like everything else she did. Ellen was not only the perfect Ambassidor for Chicago, that she loved so much, but she was such a great example to me of kindness. If any of you are on Facebook with me I have her obituary there. I tagged as many BPers as could before my brain gave out. Many tears here today thinking of sweet Ellen. We'll miss you dear one and I hope the lord, that you loved so much, will allow you to see just how loved you are. xo -Laura P.S. BPers, if we are NOT on each others FB's yet and you'd like to be please send me a BP mail and I will send you my link.


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April 30, 2016

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  I am sorry to hear this sad news. I have always enjoyed seeing Chicago and light house shots through her eyes. May God rest her soul in peace and give solace to her near and dear ones. Amen.


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April 30, 2016

 
- Laura E. Swan

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  Ellen J Hodges

Ellen J Hodges
Born on Oct. 31, 1953
Departed on Apr. 26, 2016 and resided in Orland Park, IL.

Visitation: Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Service: Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Cemetery: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.


Ellen Hodges (nee Devitt), 62, suddenly. Beloved wife of Terrance CPD Ret. Adoring mother of Brendan. Precious sister of Brian and the late Patrick. Loving sister-in-law of James Hodges, Will County Sheriff's PD, Ret. and Katie (the late Patrick)Devitt. Devoted aunt of Rachel and Brian. Dearest friend and mentor of Erin Eash of San Diego, CA. Daily communicant at Poor Clares Convent, 35 year Allstate Agent and helper of so many, so often. Funeral Wednesday 9:15am from Donnellan Funeral Home 10525 S. Western Ave. Chicago to St. Thomas More Church Tridentine Requiem Mass 10am. Int. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday 2-9pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Poor Clares of the Immaculate Conception 12210 Will-Cook Rd. Palos Park, IL. 60464.
Info 773-238-0075 Sign guestbook at www.donnellanfuneralhome.com


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April 30, 2016

 
- Laura E. Swan

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  I just noticed that her birthday, ( October 31st), was the same as BPer, Wm Nosal, of whom also recently passed away.


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April 30, 2016

 
- Joannie Bertucci

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  Laura, thank you so much for the information for Ellen!


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April 30, 2016

 
- Laura E. Swan

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  You bet. xo


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April 30, 2016

 

Debbie Bray
  I am soo upset at this news of Ellen, who I fondly called Miss Luv Sunday, because every Sunday evening she would post a picture and call it "Luv Sunday". She wrote to me the day before she passed away, teling me how "stellar" my photos were, and always said they were "super nice". They are words we all remember her using. BP has lost one of its most talented photographers ever, with beautiful encouraging words for everybody!
Ellen, may your spirit live on, and may we all remember you for your super photos, because you were one super lady! RIP dear friend.


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May 01, 2016

 

David Phalen
  Such a shock. So sad. "Luv Subday will be missed.


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May 01, 2016

 
- Reynaldo D. Reyes

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  So saddened by this. Our thoughts and prayers will be with her family.


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May 01, 2016

 
- Amanda D. Austwick

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  I never met her, but I always liked her photos. It's sad to lose a fellow photographer. Prayers to her family and friends, especially Leslie who knew her personally.


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May 01, 2016

 
natashaplissimpressions.com - Natasha Pliss

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  Many of Ellen’s “Love Sunday” images are unforgettable. She was a very talented photographer with a big heart. Rest in peace, Ellen! I’ll miss your beautiful photographs and wonderful comments to my images. My deepest condolences to your family and friends.


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May 01, 2016

 
marydimitriw.com - Mary Dimitriw

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  My heart sank when I read of Ellen's passing on Facebook. Ellen was a mentor of mine early on and always had a kind comment or words of encouragement. Without her I wouldn't have had the confidence to persue my hobby. I'm especially disheartened because I'd lost touch with her this past year as well as many other friends. You take it for granted that people will always be there when you return. I was forever showing off her stunning gallery photos to my Canadian friends and proud to say that she was one of my friends from BP. What a talent, she will be sadly missed. Keeping her family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. Sunday's won't be the same here.


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May 01, 2016

 

Debbie Bray
  Leslie and Lyndley, Laura and I were wondering if Ellen's church service will be held in any of the churches she has captured here on BP? We would love to see a picture of it, if possible. We're all numb with this very sad news.


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May 02, 2016

 

Debbie Bray
  Sorry Lindley for misspelling your name.


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May 02, 2016

 
- Leslie McLain

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  The funeral will be held at her home church in the suburbs. The beautiful churches that we photograph are all in the city of Chicago proper and were built around 1900 by early immigrants, largely Polish but some German and Irish as well.


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May 02, 2016

 
- Laura E. Swan

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  Thank you for the updated and info, Leslie. I was wondering the same thing.


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May 02, 2016

 
- Carol Quina

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  So sorry to hear of this! My condolences to her family!


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May 02, 2016

 
- Leslie McLain

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  Just returned from Ellen's wake. Her husband, Terry, said that it looked like she tripped and fell hard on the tile floor and just struck her head in the wrong location. Just a horrible accident.

They had two boards showcasing many of Ellen's beautiful photos. Ellen loved taking photos and it was a very important part of her life. I will miss her.

Leslie


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May 03, 2016

 
- Joannie Bertucci

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  Leslie, thank you so much for the up date on Ellen! What a horrible accident for dear Ellen! My prayers are for her family and the healing they must go through! Thank you again Leslie!


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May 03, 2016

 
buffalogalphotos.com - Terry Cervi

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  Thanks for the update, Leslie. What a terrible thing to have happen to Ellen.


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May 03, 2016

 
- Dayna Cain

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  Devastating news. She will be missed.


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May 04, 2016

 

Cindy Hamilton
  Very sad.


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May 09, 2016

 
- Jane E. Miller

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  So tragic! Ellen was so talented. I know she will be missed by everyone who knew her. My sympathy to the family. I will be praying for her friends and family.

Jane


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May 09, 2016

 

Ujjwal Mukherjee
  Oh, my goodness, such a sad and shocking news ..... I am so very sorry .....RIP, Ellen, you will be missed.


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May 10, 2016

 
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