Activist Ellie Flejtuch Dies
By Beverly Gniewecki
Executive Committee Delegate
Long-time Guild leader Ellie Flejtuch, a strong and vocal advocate for the union during her 15-year career at The Buffalo News, passed away Oct. 9 after a brief battle with cancer. She was 56.
Flejtuch, who was employed in classified advertising as a telephone sales representative, served on the local's Executive Committee from 1989 to 1993, and was elected classified vice chair on two separate occasions, in 1989 and 1992. Over the years, she performed her share of committee work and also was heavily involved with the classified pay upgrade project in 1993.
A widow and single parent, Flejtuch perhaps may be best remembered by members outside of her department as the woman who often found it necessary to bring her little girl, Heidi, to Guild meetings.
"She was a true believer in fairness and a fighter," said Donna Ryan, current classified vice chair.
"Whether as a mother, an employee or a union activist, Ellie always gave her best," added Local president Sina Williams.
Besides her daughter, Ellie is survived by a son, Christopher, 10 brothers and sisters, and many friends. The Guild has given its traditional $100 memorial to the Flejtuch children to use as they wish.