Ellen Mary (Walker) Vitalone, 87, of Portage, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at St. Mary Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 9, 1938, in Long Island, NY, to the late Harold and Margaret (Kroft) Walker. On November 28, 1964, in GA, Ellen married the love of her life, Frank A. Vitalone Jr.

Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Frank A. Vitalone Jr.; children, Frank (Denise) Vitalone III, Dino (Dawn) Vitalone, and Vincent Vitalone; grandchildren, Frank Vitalone IV, Gino Klisiak III, Lindsey (Kevin) Hilley, Thora Vitalone, Nick Vitalone, Alissa Vitalone, Angela Vitalone, Nina Milak, Jack Milak, Zachary Nicol, and Samantha (Jarrett) Wilkins; great-grandchildren, Lexi Hilley, Gino Klisiak IV, Rebecca Klisiak, and Leslie Lucas; adopted grandchildren, Shauna Prusynski, and Leacia Simpson; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, Ellen was preceded in death by her children, Dominic Vitalone and Dorothy Vitalone, and siblings, James Walker, Margaret (Harold) Morgan, and Kathy (Ed) Shannon. 

Ellen was a proud wife and mother of five children, eleven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She devoted her life to caring for her husband and family, enjoying each moment she was able to spend with her loved ones. 

In her spare time, Ellen enjoyed bowling, playing in card game clubs, and reading a good book. 

Ellen will best be remembered as a loving and caring lady who always had a warm smile for anyone she met. She, along with all the love and joy she shared, will be deeply missed by those whose hearts she touched throughout her life. 

Services for Ellen will begin on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410, with visitation from 4 PM to 8 PM. Services will continue on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the funeral chapel with visitation from 11 AM to 12 PM and a funeral service to immediately follow at 12 PM. Deacon Dale Webdell of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church will officiate. Burial will take place at Calumet Park Cemetery.