Ellen Marie Van-Buskirk

Ellen Marie Plate-VanBuskirk (nee Bauler) 1946-2025 Ellen Marie Plate-VanBuskirk, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died peacefully at home with her daughters by her side on September 15, 2025. Ellen, one of seven children, was born to the late Dorothy L. Bauler (nee Peters) and Noel F. Bauler in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois, graduated from Forest View High School, and then went on to earn her nursing degree from Ravenswood Hospital School of Nursing. She married, raised her daughters, and built a remarkable career as an Emergency Room nurse and later a corporate Healthcare Strategist in the Chicagoland area. While Illinois always held a special place in Ellen's heart, her life and career provided her many opportunities to travel. Having visited nearly all fifty states and many countries abroad, Arizona and the United Kingdom were places she also called home. Ellen's interests reflected her vibrant spirit. She loved sipping her morning coffee, reading, enjoying good movies, supporting her grandchildren in their many activities, crocheting, having a nice glass of champagne or red wine, dining out, celebrating all the holidays with her family, and shopping. Ellen had many things that brought her happiness in life but her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Melissa (Missy) D'Onofrio (nee Gavel), her husband Tim and their children Matthew, Susan, and Ryan as well as her daughter Laura Kanalas (nee Gavel), her husband Erik and their children Meara, Nathan, and Emma. Her family was her world, and she will be deeply missed. In accordance with her wishes, no formal services will be held. Instead, her family will honor her through a private celebration of her life. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Heart to Heart International.