Ellen Burkett of New York City and Water Mill Dies October 19

Ellen Burkett, who lived for most of her life in New York City and in Water Mill, died peacefully in her sleep on October 19 at her home on Olivers Cove Lane. She was 91.

She was born on February 1, 1934, a daughter of Gladys Klein and William Weinstein. She grew up in Manhattan and worked in the fashion industry.

She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Sands of Ossining, New York; her companion of 32 years, Robert (Bud) Schaler and his children, Leslie Schaler of Montague, Massachusetts, and Claudia Schaler of Jupiter, Florida, daughter-in-law Barbara (Austin) Schaler of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts; four grandchildren, Chris Austin of Somerville, Massachusetts, Katelyn (Schaler) Stoff and her husband Brandon of Charlotte, North Carolina, Spencer Schaler and his wife Rachael of Melbourne, Florida, and Jennifer (Schaler) Relihan and her husband Tom of Somers, Connecticut; three great-grandchildren, Mason Stoff, Taylyn Stoff, and Oliver Relihan. She was predeceased by her parents; her brother Lawrence; and her sister Selma; her first husband, Stanley Sands; her second husband, Abel Burkett; Robert Schaler; and George Schaler.

The family is grateful for the care provided by Betty Leguia, Fiorella Salazar, and Rosemarie James over the last several years, and hospice staff, who blessed her with a dignified transition.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) are appreciated.