Ellen Vitorelo

1919-2014

Ellen passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 21st in Novato, California. A native San Franciscan, she was the loving daughter of Patrick and Mary Clifford. Ellen is survived by two of her sisters, Sister Eva Sheehan, BVM and Margaret Kotlanger.

Ellen grew up in Noe Valley, graduated from St. Paul’s Catholic High School. She married Fred Vitorelo in 1940; they had 72 years of loving marriage. Ellen had eight children, Virginia Hinds (Henry), Arlene DePietro (James), David Vitorelo (Lisa), Eugene Vitorelo (Theresa), Daniel Vitorelo (Jayne), Patrick Vitorelo, Joseph Vitorelo (Sandra) and Steven Vitorelo. She had 22 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren.

Ellen and Fred enjoyed 32 years of blissful retirement in their Santa Rosa home with their children and grandchildren visiting often. Ellen was a 23 year volunteer at the Saint Vincent kitchen in Santa Rosa. They enjoyed the Italian Catholic Federation, the Moose Club and family gatherings. Her specialty was desserts with many plates of cookies.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Loretto, 1806 Novato Blvd., CA 94947 on June 5th at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BVM Center, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003. Keaton’s Redwood Chapel serving the family.