Ellen Whritenour

Ellen Whritenour, 78, of Belcamp, MD, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 3rd, after bravely battling Alzheimer's Disease. In the days leading up to her passing, she was surrounded by the love and care of her devoted family in the comfort of her home.

Born Ellen Zimmerman, she was the third child of John and Edith Zimmerman of Union, NJ. Ellen graduated from Union High School in 1964 and pursued business school to become a Medical Secretary. In 1967, Ellen met her husband, David Whritenour, and they married during his leave from serving in the US Army in Vietnam. Upon his return, the couple started their life together in North Plainfield, NJ. In 1986, Ellen and her family relocated to Apalachin, NY, where they resided for more than 35 years, and this remains the place they lovingly call home. In 2022, the couple moved to Belcamp, MD to be closer to family, ensuring that Ellen could receive care at home from her husband.

Throughout her life, Ellen cherished her role as a mother and above all, grandmother. While she worked part-time as a Medical Secretary, her true joy came from her family and their many friends that often filled the house. Her home was a warm haven filled with laughter and the presence of children, then teenagers, and eventually young adults. Watching the life journeys of her children and their friends brought her immense happiness. As a grandmother, Ellen always prioritized her grandchildren, never hesitating to lend a helping hand or rearrange her day to be with them. Nothing made her happier than hearing the words “Hi Ammy”, a name she was given by her eldest Grandson. Her legacy of love, care, and family lives on through the success and happiness of her children and grandchildren.

Ellen is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, David L. Whritenour; her brother, John R. Zimmerman; her children, David (and wife Michele), Brian (and wife April), and Leigh (and husband Brad Kaminsky); and her beloved grandchildren, David, Michael, Jack, and Sarah Whritenour, and Aidan, Lauren, and Macey Kaminsky. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A service to honor Ellen's life will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Vestal, NY, on April 24, 2025, at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Bright Focus Foundation at Donate to https://donate.brightfocus.org/adr/donate