Chris Theodore Ellis (October 19th, 2009 – November 9th, 2016)
Beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin
Chris was born on a Monday, one of those clear autumn days where you wouldn’t wear shorts but didn’t need a jacket. I was in a cost savings meeting at work, getting grilled by my plant manager when my wife called and was able to bolt out of the factory. Chris wouldn’t be born for another four hours, but already he was helping out his Dad. As a baby Chris smiled, loved to be held and read to. Once he could crawl the mischief began and when he could climb and walk his range expanded and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t get into. He rolled cars down stairs, put puzzle pieces down vents, broke those child safety locks, pulled baby gates out of the wall and, according to his grandparents, walked on water and levitated things with his mind. Chris was a handful but he was filled with happiness. When you knelt down and held your hands out he would back up a few steps to give himself a better running start into your arms. He laughed, he danced, and would excitedly tell you a story or about his day. He loved to run and play and when he was stuck in a bed or on a couch he cheered out loud while playing video games with the same zeal. He was kind and thoughtful of others. After bumping my elbow on the door jam walking back into his room, Chris insisted I come to his bedside so that he could rub it. He was only two days removed from major surgery. Chris was a happy, gentle boy who loved life.
Chris died on a Wednesday, a chilly but clear night. He was survived by nearly everyone he knew and loved by many, far too numerous to list, so we will just list his immediate family. His sister, Maria Patrica, was his first and best friend. From the start she was his partner in fun and the sound of their laughter was a constant presence in our home. Chris adored his mother, Danielle Marie, nee Fortuna, and was inseparable from her. He loved to hide behind something, jump out and scare someone and Mom was his favorite target. She was also his favorite to snuggle with and who he always wanted to comfort him. Then there’s me, his Dad, Theodore Christ, his video game partner. I was the fortunate one who would hear Chris excitedly tell his stories at night and then help him make new adventures on the weekends. The three of us will forever hold Chris in our hearts. Visitation Sunday, November 13, 2016, 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. and Monday, November 14, 2016, 9:00 A. M. to 9:30 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd. 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Funeral Monday 9:30 A.M. to St. Louise de Marillac Church, La Grange Park, Mass 10:00 A.M. Interment Bronswood Cemetery. Memorials to the family appreciated. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com
Print Obituary & Condolences
I am so sorry for your family, but know that Chris is no longer suffering. Your family is very special to so many people.
Love, Cynthia
You are all forever in my heart and prayers. My condolences to you and your family. Hugs to you all.
I am humbled by Chris and the true hero that he was. The beauty that is family is evidenced by the love for this little man who left much too soon. I will forever be grateful for meeting the Ellis Family and will forever hold them in my heart. Godspeed Chris and rest in peace.
My heart is broken as I send love and prayers to Ted, Dani, Maria and the rest of their family.
My deepest condolences
Although we never had the privilege of meeting Chris, we “knew him” through Michele and Zach. Our hearts break for you today, and we send our deepest condolences to your entire family. You have and will continue to be in our prayers.
John, Chris, & Johnny Havrilla
(Troop 56)
Dear Dani, Ted and Maria.
I am sorry for your loss. My name is Ashley Tompkins and I used to work for Ampac. I have been following your story ever since Emillia made the UK branch aware. Chris’ story touched my heart. I still wear the yellow band I had made for him. I still have my fight for Chris t-shirt I got made when we did the mucky races run for him. I wish I knew what to say to you guys. Best wishes. Ashley x
I am deeply sorry for your loss..May God give you strength and comfort through this..Loved reading your updates on Chris..such a cute little boy..he fought the fight as long as he could and was at peace..Cherish every moment..every memory…God Bless your family
Our hearts are broken for your incredible loss. Chris was an amazing child and the world will miss him. We have been praying and will continue to pray for peace for all of you. Love, The Hostrawser family
I’m so very sorry for your lose, but glad Chris is no longer in pain. He will now be a Guardian Angel for you all. I have been praying for Chris and now my prayers are with all of you that your hearts will heal with perfect timing. I know Chris will help out.
I live in England but have followed your beautiful sons journey.
I will be thinking of you all on what will be the most difficult day of your lives. God bless you and may he give you the extra strength you need to carry you through the coming days, months and years. X
Dani and Ted. My sincerest condolences. My heart breaks for you both and Maria. Chris was a special boy. I hope you find some small peace and comfort in knowing that he is now in a better place than this world, and that someday you will all be reunited.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I feel like I know you and Chris through your updates. My Prayers are with you and your family. Love Carol
I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
❤️
My family and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. May God bring you that which you need at this difficult time.
There are no words. I hope you feel the love that surrounds you and we will never forget your beautiful boy! Thank you for sharing his journey with all of us. We are here for you!!
Ted, Dani and Maria I am truly sorry for your loss. There are no words to make you feel better. Chris was and alway will be an amazing little boy. Sending all of my love and prayers to you and your family.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time! May God help you find a sense of peace!
I’m sorry for your loss. Dani you and your family are in my prayers.
Uncle George and I are heart broken. There are no words that can express our sadness. It is all so surreal and difficult to understand.
Love,
Uncle George and Aunt Maria❤️
There are no words…May The Good Lord hold you all near and dear.
He’s in heaven! Imagine the joy this little guy has brought to the heavens; they’re all rejoicing! Family you are all amazing and a true testimony to God’s love here on earth. This journey was so tough and your loss so great. Someday Chris will await you all. Smiling 🙂 Until then, Peace and God bless you all.
Love sincerely,
Marianne and Dave Biedrzycki
You don’t know us but our hearts are with you. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful boy.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in the thoughts and prayers of so many people. May you find peace now that his suffering is over and that you have such amazing memories of Chris.
Love, The McGuire Family
Our hearts join yours in remembering Chris.
His fight was one of determination and bravery and he had hundreds of people cheering for him.
Quite an accomplishment for a child so young. May God give you strength in the coming days and peace in the months to come. There are no words to soften the blow of losing your son, but know there are many, many people tonite who are mourning your loss. God bless your family.
I am soo sorry for your family’s loss!!
There are no words that are adequate. We have lived this with you through your journals. The openness with which you have shared very up and down of this journey have touched more people than you will probably ever know, and those of us who knew and loved you before Chris’s diagnosis now love you even more. Know you are loved, lean on your community, celebrate Chris’s life forever. If you need help setting up a legacy for him, or with anything, please let us know. We don’t have any particular experience, but would like to help you move forward in any way we can. Be joyful that you were blessed to have such a special soul in your family.
Whenever someone climbed the staircase to heaven and those left behind were grieving my mother would tell them: “They are not gone. Just put your hand over your heart and you’ll find them there.” May this beautiful child live forever blissfully in your heart.
Heartbraking journey to have watched you all go through, and yet I saw an incredible amount of love and courage in every member of your family. Prayers for you all.
Sending love to your family. – UChicago Radiation Safety
Dearest friends,
My heart is broken for you. You and the entire family are in my prayers. May his memory be eternal.
There are no words to express our sadness
for all of you in The Ellis family, and
Especially to Maria, his loving little sister. May Chris’ memory be eternal.
Hugs and kisses ,
Tina and Pat
Savas
So sorry to hear met Chris and Danielle, what a great person the bible teaches “absent from the body present with the lord and that is where you will always be.” “Happens in the twinkling of an eye which has been measured as 1/12th of a second you are in heaven!” May Almighty God bless all of you.
We are so, so sorry. May you find peace.
John, Nancy, Zach, Jesse and Katie Thompson
Dear Dani, Ted & Maria: Words fail us at a time like this, but we want you to know that our hearts break for you. There is no doubt that Chris is watching over you and will bring you the strength you need to continue on until you are all reunited again.
I work at the ProAmpac location in Cincinnati. I’ve been following your journals and want you to know that you were in my thoughts and prayers the whole time and will continue to be.
Dearest Ellis Family,
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this most heartbreaking journey. The love and courage of Little Chris and his family are a true testimony to the bond that goes beyond here and continues to live for eternity in heaven when you will be together again. Until that time May God grant you peace. With much love and prayers,
The Skopec Family
Oh Miss Dani…How I will miss our bedside therapy sessions, Dunkin Donuts, and Chris hiding those feet. I can see Ted and Chris gaming, and we’re trying to pick toes. I am sad, my heart does ache, but I’m relieved Chris is finally at peace. Remember God is faithful, and with trials, and temptation, he makes a way out for us to endure. The life, love, and legacy of Chris will continue through You, Ted, and Maria, this is certain.
With Love,
Kellie
I have the privilege of knowing of Chris through my co-worker Jeanne Taraszkiewicz and it just touch my heart. May GOD give your family strength during this time and know that he is now an angel that is watching over you guys.
We are so sorry for your families loss. Thank you for sharing Chris’s journey with all of us and God Bless.
Joe, Laura, Eric and Makena
Ted, Dani and Maria, There are no words. You have been, and will continue to be in out prayers.
I am deeply sadden. No words can express your loss. Been thinking of you and your family.
Danielle, Ted and Maria,
We are saddened by the loss of Chris. Thank you for sharing the good moments and the bad over the last 2 years. Through your tales we feel we got to know Chris and thus his spirit and strength will live on in our memories. Your strength and love for him have and will always be an inspiration to us.
We wish you the best with all our hearts.
Tom, Robin, Michael and Danielle Bowden
We are both very sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs to you during this difficult time.
Love,
Melinda and Mike
Danielle, Ted and Maria, may the loving memories of your little Chris warm your hearts in this time of sorrow. His love will never be lost as true love is eternal. We hug you all with deepest sympathy.
Our tears go out to you and your family. We share your grief. Hopefully our dear Jack is there to welcome to heaven.
My heart goes out to your family.
We are so sorry for your loss . Chris and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
May your faith bring you peace at this time of unimaginable loss.
I did not know you Chris, but you were a stranger whom I often thought of.
I know you are in peace now, no more suffering.
Strength to your loved ones.
We offer them our hearts filled with loving -kindness and friendship.
I really don’t know the family but my heart is sorrow for your family may God give you guys strength and piece rest in peace little angel
Pat, Mike, Danielle and the rest of the family,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Ellis Family, I am so sorry to hear about Chris.. He put up a strong, brave fight. I followed his and your struggles on Facebook. Thank you for sharing. It seemed to be very …almost therapeutic and maybe even comforting to be able to describe your milestones or set backs. Thank you for sharing your most personal thoughts and feelings. It was truly a gift. Still, I cant imagine how you remain strong or how you managed through it all. My deepest condolences, prayers and love.
Our sincere condolences.
To the Ellis Family
I am so sorry to hear about Chris.
My prayers go out to you Danielle and the entire Ellis Family.
Our family is holding you close and praying for you. May your faith be strong and your family and friends bring you peace on this most difficult journey. Tim and Beth Piper
On behalf of the Super Jake Foundation, know you are all in our hearts. Chris truly fought a valeant fight against a monster and was ever so brave. Please accept our deepest condolences, prayers, and much love. Thank you for sharing your gift of Chris with us.
There can be no words said that would ease your grief. My heart aches for all of you; Dani, Maria and Ted. Your sweet boy, whom we’ve come to adore without even knowing him, will never be forgotten. His memory will always be eternal.
I had a hard time trying not to cry.Chris is always in our HEARTS FOREVER and EVER. I will remember this day.
LOVE,
MARY ELLIS