With deep sadness, we’re writing to share that Ellen Irie passed away Thursday, November 22, 2018 surrounded by her husband, Don, and her boys, Cole and Cory.

We loved Ellen. We already miss her.

Ellen was Informing Change’s President and CEO. For us, that meant she was a grounded leader, a helpful friend, and a trusted confidante. She was uncompromising in upholding our values: intelligence, integrity, compassion, and the pursuit of social justice. Even with the knottiest of problems, she believed a solution was out there. All we needed to do, she’d say, is think outside of ourselves. Look at the myriad perspectives. One of them always holds the key.

In this moment, it feels impossible to solve the pain of losing Ellen, no matter how many ways we look at it. And we probably never will. Ellen has left an enduring mark on all of us and created a vibrant community of colleagues dedicated to thinking critically about the challenges we face and the solutions within our reach—always in service of a better, more just world.

In observance of Ellen’s passing, we held a 48-hour period of silence, during which Informing Change was closed.

Ellen would be the first to say the work of Informing Change is far from over. While this moment is difficult, we have faith that Ellen’s memory and legacy will only strengthen the work we do and the communities we support. We have returned to that ever important work starting Wednesday, November 28 because that’s what Ellen would want.

If you would like to honor Ellen, please make a contribution in her name to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. And of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please send them our way.

You can visit Ellen’s obituary here.