Ellen S. (Umansky) Dispenza

Ellen (nee Umansky) Dispenza, beloved mother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 16, 1950, in Akron, Ohio, Ellen was the cherished daughter of the late Esther Catherine Umansky and Harry Al Umansky.

A proud graduate of the University of Akron, Ellen devoted her professional life to education as a mathematics teacher with the Elyria City Schools. She was a gifted educator whose patience, kindness, and dedication touched the lives of countless students throughout her career.

Ellen was a devoted member of Agudath B'nai Israel Synagogue in Lorain, where she faithfully served on the Board of Trustees and was an active member of the ABI Sisterhood. Her faith and commitment to her congregation were an important part of her life.

Outside of her career and synagogue, Ellen found joy in many creative pursuits. She loved crafting, especially cross-stitch, macramé, leather goods and crochet; making many crochet caps for chemo patients. Ellen treasured gathering with family and friends, especially if the gatherings were on a cruise ship or international travel- She was there! She loved her flowers and her vegetable gardens. She looked forward to luncheons with her fellow retired teachers and never outgrew her fondness for Superman and comic books, which brought her a lifetime of smiles. 

Above all, Ellen's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving and devoted mother whose kindness, generosity, and unwavering support will be deeply missed.

Ellen is survived by her beloved son, Evan Dispenza and grand puppy Amber; her sister, Judi Umansky of Oxnard, California; her brother, Daniel Umansky and his wife, Joanne, of Richmond Heights, Ohio; and her brother, Stanley Umansky and his wife, Dora, of Akron, Ohio. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, former colleagues, and all who were blessed to know her.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Cemetery, 1461 North Ridge Road, Lorain, Ohio, with Mark Jaffee officiating. Interment will follow at Salem Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Agudath B'nai Israel Synagogue, 1715 Meister Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053, or to Susan G. Komen for breast cancer research, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, Texas 75380.

Ellen will be remembered for her compassionate heart, her love of learning, her unwavering faith, her creativity, and the countless lives she touched through her family, her students, and her friendships. Her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals is honored to assist the Dispenza family with funeral arrangements and extends its heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Ellen.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ellen S. (Umansky) Dispenza, please visit our floral store.