Ellen Therese Vitt

Ellen Therese Vitt passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, in Kauai, Hawaii, surrounded by family and close friends at Wilcox Hospital in Lihue. Born in Washington, D.C. on June 20, 1960 to Donald J. and Lois A. Vitt, Elle was a natural organizer who channeled her remarkable talents into a distinguished film career, joyful community volunteer, and devoted representative of Kauai tourism.

Elle felt a fierce affection and unyielding care for her family. When her son, David, was diagnosed with brain cancer in his teens, Elle channeled her executive coordination skills and profound maternal devotion into navigating his complex medical journey over many years, building the foundation that allows David to continue to thrive.

In her television and film production career, Elle mastered complex logistics required for both live national broadcasts and Hollywood studio sets. For several years, she worked behind the scenes on prestigious live national PBS broadcasts on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, including A Capitol Fourth and the National Memorial Day Concert. Her extensive management portfolio also included an IMAX film for the Smithsonian Institution, alongside studio credits for Disney’s Jungle Cruise (2021) and Universal’s Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019). After moving to Kauai, she brought her leadership skills to Danny the Nanny Production and local civic efforts like Kids to Parks Day and she volunteered for acclaimed island projects when asked.

Elle was predeceased by her father, Donald J. Vitt. She is survived by her mother, Lois A. Vitt (Jeff Greenwell) of Nellysford, VA; her beloved son, David Vitt of Kauai; her brothers John (Linda) and Michael (Teresa Lake Vitt) and her sisters Ginny Plumeau (Al Gosewehr), Lois Vitt Sale (Tom Sale) Pati Vitt (Jeff Gorra), Christina Vitt (Jeff Polys) and Greenwell step brothers Dale (Sandy), Glenn (Claire), Chris (Sue), and Alan (Carmen) and step-sister Stephanie and families. She also leaves behind her cherished nieces and nephews, Jennifer, Allyson, Alan, Emily, Mike, Max, Darwyn, Elsie and Camper and their children, as well as many loving friends and colleagues.

Details regarding upcoming celebrations of life will be published shortly.