Ellen Kayla Alberts

Ellen Kayla Alberts, 78, of Easthampton, died on November 14, 2023, following a period of failing health.

Born on November 4, 1945, Ellen was a daughter of the late Leonard and Bernice (Weiss) Alberts and the wife of the late Joe Ermalowicz. She graduated from Northampton High School in 1963 and later returned to school to earn an associate’s degree in medical assisting from Springfield Technical Community College. After graduating from STCC, Ellen worked for several rewarding years as a medical assistant for New England Dermatology in Springfield.

While still in high school, Ellen enjoyed her work as a salesperson in her family’s two Northampton shoe stores, David and the Bootery. As a teenager, Ellen became fascinated by flying and earned her pilot’s license when she was only seventeen. She had a lifelong interest in history and was proud of her Jewish heritage. Family members and friends describe Ellen as witty, loving, outspoken, and adventuresome.

She is survived by her sister Louise DeSimone and her family, a cousin Lisa Lipshires, and a group of caring home health aides, including Joshua Morrow, whom Ellen lovingly referred to as her “grannyson.”