Ellie Vitello
elevated ta2cM June 28, 1978 ~ April 29, 2026
elevated ta2cM Visitation
Friday May 8, 2026 from 4:00pm-8:00pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated ta2cM Funeral Service
Saturday May 9, 2026 at 1:30pm
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated ta2cM Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 2C7
elevated ta2cM Obituary
elevated ta2cM “Outshine, Outlaugh, Outlove” were the fitting words written on Elena (Ellie) Francesca Vitello’s birthday cake on her 47th birthday. She passed away less than a year later, on April 29, 2026 at Toronto Western Hospital. It was a sudden turn of events that stunned everyone who knew her, as she was our energetic, radiant Ellie until her final days—full of life.
elevated ta2cM She was the loving wife of Michael (Mike) Craig and the joyful mother of Bowie and June, who were the centre of her world. She was a cherished sister to Connie (Jason) and Nicole (Peter), a beloved sister-in-law to Brian (Christine), Katherine (John), and Nancy (Will), and a proud and playful aunt to Ella, Finn, Owen, Jared, Mia, Joseph, and Luca. She was the treasured daughter of the late Lina and Joseph, and adored daughter-in-law of Anne and Ken. She was a great friend to many, and devoted to her loveable and loyal rescue pups, Maddie, Tessa, and Leia.
elevated ta2cM Ellie entered the world as she lived in it—bright-eyed, expressive, and captivating. Her father called her “Principessa,” and she wore that title with spirit. She was spunky and quick-witted, an old soul from the start, equally comfortable in a debate, a footrace, or a card game.
elevated ta2cM She loved the sun and the sea—swimming, laughing, and soaking in the moment. Family trips to Europe, Hawaii and long summers at the cottage on Georgian Bay became part of the rhythm of her life, places where her happiness existed effortlessly.
elevated ta2cM She was an excellent and dedicated student, but she also brought the fun factor wherever she went. Whether dancing in the kitchen with our mother or hosting a backyard bash, Ellie had a gift for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations.
elevated ta2cM After growing up in North York and Markham, attending St. Brother André Catholic High School, she earned her degree from McGill University, followed by adventurous travels through Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and northern Canada. She later completed a master’s degree at Teachers College.
elevated ta2cM Ellie met Mike and the connection was immediate—rooted in a shared love of family, food, coffee, laughter, and music. They promptly pressed play on their love song and married in 2009—it was a spectacular September day that felt cinematic, starring Ellie in a fabulous wedding dress from the fashion show Project Runway. It is unforgettable how the sunlight caught her just as she spoke her vows. Their life together was filled with a wonderful soundtrack, including a honeymoon that featured a Willie Nelson concert. She was always on Mike’s mind, and they soon started a family together.
elevated ta2cM Motherhood was where Ellie’s love shone brightest. She poured herself into her children—cooking their favourite meals, reading books and curling up to shows together, helping with homework, and cheering them on at every event, from horse stables to hockey rinks, from lacrosse fields to theatre stages. She created a home filled with warmth, encouragement, and entertainment. Birthday parties included epic magic shows and a surprise trip to Disney will never be forgotten.
elevated ta2cM When the kids went to school, she became a passionate Professor of Communications at George Brown College with a knack for connecting with her students and working with her colleagues to improve the curriculum. It didn’t take her long to find a wonderful and supportive work family that would gather after hours.
elevated ta2cM In 2022, she was diagnosed with cancer, just two weeks before our mother received a cancer diagnosis. It was an unimaginably difficult time, but Ellie faced it with remarkable courage. She embraced treatment, sought out new ways of healing, and chose hope. She shared that strength openly, lifting others who were facing their own battles.
elevated ta2cM The family moved to Meaford in 2025, creating a home that reflected everything she loved—family friendly spaces, beautiful nature, and room to roam. The family decided on skiing as their favourite sport, especially at Alpine Ski Club.
elevated ta2cM Ellie had a special spark and a lust for life that lifted everyone up when they needed it most. In all the places the family lived in (Parkdale, Birch Cliff and Meaford), her big open heart and homemade pizzas helped her and her family cultivate community. She also took the initiative to prioritize and plan getaways for her loved ones around Georgian Bay and on Sparrow Lake—where so many wonderful memories were made.
elevated ta2cM This past year, she unfortunately faced another health challenge. As one friend so aptly said,“She spent this year weaving her own story, wrapping us all up in faith, hope and positivity—she needed it, we needed it. She gave herself and us a beautiful gift.”
elevated ta2cM There is so much more we wish we could experience with our beloved Ellie. She is deeply missed—in countless ways, in everyday moments, in the spaces she filled so genuinely with her hearty laugh.
elevated ta2cM But her spirit remains unmistakable: her amazing smile, her courage, her fierce love, and her boundless enthusiasm live on in everyone who knew her.
elevated ta2cM Stay gold, sister. We love you so so much—always.
elevated ta2cM In lieu of floral arrangements, donations can be made to:
elevated ta2cM The Parmar Foundation: Changing the Cancer Conversation – https://theparmarfoundation.ca/
elevated ta2cM The Radical Remission Project: Radical Remission Project | Cancer Wellness
elevated ta2cM In the case of floral arrangements, please avoid lillies, due to allergies. Thank you.
Rest in peace Ellie!!🙏🕊️
Condolences to your entire family❤️🙏
Ellie was my “adpoted” daughter. I felt a natural kinship with her. Ellie was bigger than life and so expansive in her affection for all she met. Ellie made us all feel important to her because we were. Ellie you left us too soon and you will be missed so much but you will never be forgotten. I will cherishe the last hug you gave me a few weeks ago.
She was a total ray of sunshine. Beautiful inside and out. She swept my brother off his feet and the rest is history. I remember ‘meeting’ Ellie over the phone, as Will & I were about to have our 2nd child in California, and even though I didn’t know her yet, she somehow predicted our son Owen’s name (one of her otherworldly talents). From the moment she came into our lives, she was always this life force. An undeniable presence in the room, and beaming with positivity always. Auntie Ellie was the best Auntie to our kids, curious about what was going on in their lives, and always offering the biggest hug. She showed how she was proud, even in the last year of her life, she made sure we all knew how she felt about their new paths and their bright futures. More importantly, she gave my dear little bro the best married life full of love, real joy and immeasurable gifts. Speaking of gifts, her greatest gifts shine in our dear nephew Bowie, and our dear niece Junie. They will carry her inside them always…her charisma, strong character and kind heart. The pain is starting to set in deep this week, what a hole she leaves in our family now that her sweet soul has passed on. But I have heard her belly laugh multiple times this weekend, specifically whenever Will makes a corny joke…she was always laughing at his silly antics while the rest of us were rolling our eyes. The fact that I can still see and hear her all around us is proof to me that she’ll always be with us. Forever and ever. We love you so much, El. Nance
To the Vitello and Craig family
We are so sorry to hear of Ellie’s passing.
May her memory be a blessing that fills your heart.
What a beautiful lady Ellie was inside and out.
Was so pleased to have known her but wish it had been much longer.
Sincere condolences in your huge loss. Long-time memories, family and photos will hopefully help ease your broken hearts.
With love, Tanis Layzell
Our deepest condolences to the families. Rest in peace Ellie 🙏
I always will remember Ellie from Brother Andre. Such a beautiful soul. Condolences to all Ellie’s family. RIP Ellie, you will be missed
Colleen Bowles
Sending you all so much love.
Dear Mike, Bowie and June,
We are so sad to hear about the passing of Ellie. She was always so lovely and friendly at all of the kids ski races and around the club. We are thinking about you and sending love and strength during this incredibly difficult time.
love,
Shira, Kyle, Pearl, Leo and Gigi Goldenberg
Thinking of you dear Nicole at this incredibly difficult time. I know what’s it’s like to loose a sister so my heart goes out to you.
I loved running into Ellie while walking my dog or at yoga class because she always had that radiant smile of hers which made even the gloomy days seem a bit brighter. Ellie you are now shining down on everyone ✨️ 💖 Sending so much love and light to those who loved her. Rest in Peace, Ellie.
What can I say about such a wonderful person Ellie, who in such a short time, taught me so much about life? We had many meaningful discussions about education, and you became one of my heroes in my learning journey.
I came to GBC as an adult learner with very little confidence in myself and the education system. I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be—I only planned to upgrade my skills! You kept encouraging me and guiding me in the right direction. Through your assignments, you challenged to step out of my comfort zone, preparing me and leading me to where I am today.
You created a safe space to learn, grow, and build confidence. I am forever grateful to have had such an amazing communications professor. You truly wanted the very best for each person, and you poured so much into your students.
I will miss you, Ellie—especially your encouraging words. Thank you to your family for sharing you with us and with the world. You inspired us to love life and to hold onto hope in whatever we set our eyes on.
I will always cherish the memories of you. Thank you for believing in me and for accepting me as I am. You will forever remain in our hearts.
With gratitude and my condolences to Ellie’s family.
Dear Mike, my dearest sympathies. Thinking of you and your family.
Our Sincerest Condolences to the entire family. May your beautiful memories get you through the difficult times ahead.
Our hearts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.
A memo from George Brown College –
In Memory of Ellie Vitello, Academic Upgrading Professor
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear colleague, Ellie Vitello.
Ellie joined George Brown in 2011 as a Communications professor in the Academic Upgrading (AU) program, School of Work and College Preparation, CPLS. Her first assignment involved community-based teaching through George Brown partnerships with local organizations, including Parkdale Project Read, St. Christopher House, and Scadding Court. Over time, her contributions expanded and in 2018, she became a full-time Professor of Communications in the on-campus AU Program. Through her dedication to teaching, her extensive expertise, and her enthusiasm and commitment, Ellie played a meaningful role in the evolution of the program.
Ellie was an incredibly warm and enthusiastic teacher who was deeply committed to her students, encouraging them to build confidence, find their path, and pursue their goals. A deeply loved and respected colleague, Ellie quickly made the AU team her extended family, bringing thoughtful kindness, positive energy, and a genuine sense of connection to every space she entered. She will be deeply missed—in the everyday moments and conversations she elevated with her presence, and in the joyful spirit she brought to our community. Her legacy lives on in the relationships she built and the lasting impact she has had on so many.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, in particular, her husband Mike and their two beloved children, Bowie and June, her friends, and all who knew and loved her. We will be creating a student bursary/scholarship for Academic Upgrading students moving on to post-secondary programs at George Brown in Ellie’s name. Donors who would like to contribute to the establishment of this fund can contribute through this link. Please indicate in the Comment field that the donation is made in memory of Ellie Vitello.
https://www.georgebrown.ca/donate/support-the-george-brown-college-foundation
I’m very saddened to hear about the passing of Ellie. I first met her when she was hired full time at GBC. I remember her enthusiasm for teaching and her care the learners in her classes. My condolences to Ellie’s children, partner, and the rest of her family.
I was so sad to hear of Ellie’s passing.Though I met her only once, at a mutual friend’s wedding party, I remember very clearly being charmed by her. She and Mike were endlessly kind and gracious and full of joy. Sending so much love to everyone who loved Ellie. May her memory be a blessing.