The creator of the popular Facebook group Our Moms' Lithuanian Recipes was killed yesterday in a car accident. This is a great loss to Lithuanian and Lithuanian-American communities around the world, her efforts to create a forum of sharing recipes was done with great ambition and enthusiasm. Her energy was magnetic, her FB group grew very quickly and brought people together from all over the world. We hope that her sister will keep the group going.

In the announcement of this tragedy, Ellen's sister had this to say:

"I am Ellen Carmichael's sister. It is with great sorrow to tell all of you that we lost Ellen this morning in a car accident. It's difficult to write this as I am still in disbelief. Ellen loved this group and was very proud of it. Nearly 380 members in such a short time. It was her goal to bring back our heritage in cooking lithuanian food. For people all over the world to correspond about the culture of Lithuanian life, and to share recipes, is a great feat. Ellen was a great, ambitious cook herself, trying most of the recipes. Let us keep this group going strong in her honor, and in her memory. I love you Ellen.....my little sister."

Rita Petkaitis