elevated SS3cZ June 28, 1978 ~ April 29, 2026

elevated SS3cZ Visitation 
Friday May 8, 2026 from 4:00pm-8:00pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6

elevated SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 2C7 

elevated SS3cZ Obituary

elevated SS3cZ “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 SS3cZ She was loving the 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ This past year, she unfortunately faced another health challenge. As one friend so beautifully 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ 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 SS3cZ Stay gold, sister. We love you so so much—always.

elevated SS3cZ In lieu of floral arrangements, donations can be made to:

elevated SS3cZ The Parmar Foundation: Changing the Cancer Conversation – https://theparmarfoundation.ca/

elevated SS3cZ The Radical Remission Project: Radical Remission Project | Cancer Wellness

elevated SS3cZ In the case of floral arrangements, please avoid lillies, due to allergies. Thank you.