The Founders
The idea for Your Love Remembered came about after some tragic losses in our own family.
Before my father passed away, he had written a letter to be read at his memorial service expressing his love and wishes for his family and friends. Although I had the honor of reading the letter, I could not create his essence, and longed to see him one last time to have him express his own thoughts. I miss my dad being able to give me advice or telling me everything will be OK. His illness was short and he never had a chance to say goodbye to his loved ones; giving them one final opportunity to see him as he was and to tell them how he felt. His final written words were spoken through me at his memorial service, and I would have given anything to hear him speak those words himself.
My wife Ellen lost her sister to cancer a few years ago. Although she knew the end was coming, Ellen’s sister never had a chance to record her final wishes and thoughts for her family and two young daughters. She was planning on writing a journal for them in the last few months, but as she succumbed to the disease, the time and opportunity never came. At her funeral, we had a lovely photo montage, but her children, husband, family and friends never had a chance to hear her express her love and thoughts to them. That opportunity is gone forever. Our video would have given her daughters an opportunity to connect with their mother throughout their lives and when they will truly need her.
Ellen and I have also lost most of our grandparents when our children were either very young or unborn. These children will never hear their voices, and will lose a valuable connection to their heritage. We feel that a direct message from those who have passed would have more effectively illustrated who they were; passing on their legacy directly.
– Jeff and Ellen Schawelson, Principal Owners
Our History
Ellen and I both grew up on Long Island, New York. We fell in love, got married, and started a family. In April 2002, we moved to Scottsdale, Arizona to be closer to parents and siblings. Family time is very important to us and we enjoy every moment of watching our children grow. I love cooking, acting, technology, fishing, and performing stand-up comedy. Ellen enjoys travel, volunteering for worthy causes, fitness, reading, and attending book club when she has time to read.
I majored in Communications, Theatre and Education and have studied film production, editing and photography from prestigious institutions including USC. I have many years of experience editing video presentations. Besides being experienced in the arts, I enjoyed teaching elementary school in New York and Maine, as well as having over 20 years of experience in sales and small business ownership.
Ellen has many years of experience as a Social Worker. She has worked with individuals and families on many end-of-life issues with unparalleled compassion. Her calm, professional manner allows clients to be comfortable and at ease almost immediately. She is also a Licensed Massage Therapist, and is versed in many methods of relaxation.
