Obituary: Ellen Sue Weiss

July 23, 1953 – October 18, 2023

Ellen Sue Weiss, longtime Aspen resident, passed away on October 18, 2023 due to complications of lung cancer. Eli was preceded in death by her father, Robert A. Weiss, her mother, Betty Jaffe Weiss, of Aspen, and her brother David (Amy) Weiss of Longmont, CO. She is survived by her sisters Julie Weiss Murad, of Elizabeth, CO, Kathy Weiss of Carbondale, CO and La Quinta, CA, and nieces Jihan Murad, Carlsbad, CA, Kayli Kimura Weiss, L.A., CA and nephew Daniel Akira Weiss, Denver, CO. Eli was a consummate environmentalist and conservationist passionate about indigenous people and wildlife of sub-Saharan Africa. She established WildiZe, a nonprofit 501(c)3 foundation in 2000, dedicated to helping women, children, and protecting the continent’s wildlife. Eli was a talented photographer, writer, blogger and podcaster covering “our wild world” and making a global difference through her foundation. Many of her happiest moments were during her numerous adventures over the years in Africa interacting with locals and wildlife. Her legacy will continue to impact projects dear to her heart through WildiZe’s grant programs. A Celebration of Life will be held at Crystal Springs Ranch, the home of Kathy Weiss, 1609 County Road 112, Carbondale, at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 20, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, http://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org or to Akashinga, http://www.akashinga.org.