I received a forwarded e-mail from Derek Czaplewski from a gentleman named David Heimann about the passing of Ellie Punkay. Ellie may not be a name you know but if you’re in Chicago theater you certainly would remember her as she was an audience staple of  many a local production. Ellie attended every single Handbag show and some Sweetback shows as well. I believe she was also a member of the Chicago Saints. Ellie was hard to miss, because,  although she was short in stature, and had trouble getting around due to a hunched back, she made her presence known in the theater with her unforgettable and mostly ill-timed laughter. She would throw me at first but once I knew she was out there I learned to appreciate her and I was glad to hear her laughter when sometimes there was none. Sometimes her laughter would generate other laughter and I think it helped give uptight audiences permission to laugh. I remember asking Steve Hickson, who is that woman? I got to the point where I would say ‘hello’ to her and exchange pleasantries and I marveled at her dedication to the local theater scene when I would see her waiting for the Belmont bus late night on the corner of Racine and Belmont after coming from a show at the Theatre Building or Bailiwick. At first I felt a bit sorry for her but then I realized that was my problem, not hers.  She was doing exactly what she wanted to, and didn’t ask anybody to help her out, which is how I hope I can be when I’m elderly. Ellie was found in her apartment last week, dead from an apparent heart attack.  You will be missed Ellie!

Filed under: My Way Of Life