Obituaries

Marie Jeffrey Vitale, 51

March 26, 2013

Marie Jeffrey Vitale, 51, of Lititz, PA, passed away peacefully into Eternal Life on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at the Ephrata Manor.

She was the beloved wife of Russell A. Vitale with whom she shared 15 years of marriage this past November 15th. Born in Montreal, Quebec, she was the beloved daughter of Eileen Jeffrey of Mechanicsburg, and the late Edward “Ted” Jeffrey.

Marie was a graduate of Millersville University and had worked for the Donnelly Corporation in their sales and marketing department.

In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by her stepchildren: Russell L. and Andrea L. Vitale, both of Lititz; her sisters: Joanne Houdeshell of Mechanicsburg, Carol married to Scott Cross of Scranton, and Diane married to John Shawback of Lexington, KY; and by her brother, Keith Jeffrey of Phoenixville; and 4 nieces, Nicole Carricato, Emily and Alana Cross and Sarah Jeffrey.

Marie embraced life, her family and friends with great love and enthusiasm – to be loved by Marie was a precious gift.  She loved to read and play ultimate Frisbee, was a great cook and loved to entertain.  She also left a legacy of beautiful needlework and warm hugs that will ever remain sweet remembrances.  We are thankful for the bravery she exhibited in openly sharing her struggle with Alzheimer’s and the grace and dignity with which she endured to the end.  Her light will never truly fade.
Friends will be received on Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 12Noon to 1:30PM at the Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, with the celebration of her life to follow at 1:30PM. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Marie’s memory to the Alzheimers Assn., South Central PA Chapter, 3544 N. Progress Ave, Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638 or to CURE International, 701 Bosler Ave., Lemoyne, PA 17043. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 560-5100

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Condolences to the Family

January 06, 2021

I was in my office when I thought, I wonder what Marie is up to? I did a web search and was deeply saddened when I saw her obituary. Marie and I attended Millersville University. I met her at a dart tournament and we became great friends. We hung out together on many occasions and she was a regular at our weekly parties. She was a wonderful person to be around. She had a joy for life that I’ve seldom seen in others. I loved her like a sister. We lost touch over the many years since graduation. I always thought I might see her again in my travels, I just didnt think it would be on To Not Fade Away. My condolences to her family. Rest in Peace, Marie.
Michael Steepy

May 23, 2020

I too, only knew Marie after watching her on the Alzheimer’s documentary, To Not Fade Away. Her story both touched and broke my heart. So young to be afflicted with a disease I know of all too well. My father passed away from early onset Alzheimer’s as well and while no one else in my family seems to exhibit any symptoms we continue to fear it until a cure is established. Watching Marie so elegantly and effortlessly battle with A.D. inspired me so much. Her grace, beauty and charm eclipsed the outward manifestations of this horrific disease. To the family, you must know that she is not only at peace, but is no longer a prisoner to Alzheimer’s. She is in her full glory once again, picture her vibrant and full of life because that is what she is now. I know her spirit walks with her loved ones each day and rest assured knowing you will see that beautiful, bright soul again someday. God bless the Jeffrey and Vitale families and thank you for having shared Marie’s inspirational story.
Michaela Mello

November 14, 2016

I only knew Marie and her struggles after seeing the television documentary “To Not Fade Away”. I have seen it more than once and the last time I watched it this week I decided to do a search for Marie and was sad to find that she had passed away. I could tell how special she was and she was very inspirational. My sympathies are with her family and friends and all the people who knew her. You can be happy knowing that she touched so many lives, even those people who never met her. Rest in peace, beautiful Marie.
Diana Koulalis

Dear Russell and Jeffery and Vitale families,

  I met Marie 20+ years ago by a chance phone call from her inquiring about a house. We were in close contact for a few months during the purchase of her first home and then lost touch for many years, running into her only once when she spotted me at a restaurant and I immediately recognized her beautiful smile.
   Learning of her condition 2 months ago stunned me and reading the paper yesterday flooded my mind with memories of Marie, probably the coolest, real, down to earth young woman I ever met. I am confident her love, energy and integrity rewarded Marie a wonderful life. I consider myself blessed to have been a very small part of it.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all
With love,
Charlie Fulmer

We are very sad to hear of your loss. Marie was an awesome person with a heart of gold. We were blessed to be her friends.

Jim and Lisa

Russ and family,

So sorry for your loss and you and your family will be in my prayers.

Christine Price

To Eileen and Family:
Although I did not have the privilege of getting to know Marie prior to the onset of her illness, the few times that I did interact with her were memorable.  Marie was very sweet…and her whole demeanor was just warm and friendly – she was an absolute reflection of her very sweet parents and a loving family.  May you be comforted during this time.   
Nate Desmarais

Dear Russ and family,
We were so sorry to hear about your Marie passing away. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Missy Fitz

Russ and family,

I wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss and share my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sherry Mofle

Dear Russell and family,

We were so sorry to hear about Marie’s passing. She was a wonderful person, always a positive influence, very intelligent, and full of life. Russell we thank you for taking such great care of her in these last few years – she was lucky to have someone so special by her side. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our Deepest Sympathy,
Dave, Kelly, Kara, and Kortney Knight

Russell:

I never told you this, but through Marie’s struggle with this monstrous disease, from day one that Debbie and I heard but surely did not want to believe it to be true, you became my hero. By the time we had heard, you had already been through what may have knocked most men/husbands to their knees in defeat and denial.

I surely hope – actually I truly believe – that Marie knew what a great man she had in you all the way to the end. Go ahead and say you did what any loving husband would do, which I wish were the case, but you should always sleep well in knowing you were the greatest pillar any man could have been when taken to task as you were.

We love you and will always remember Marie for the kind, generous, oh-so loving and refreshing addition she was to the our family.

Love,
Kevin, Debbie, Nicole and Alexis

Dear Vitale and Jeffrey families,

I meant Marie at Millersville University 20 + years ago. I remembered Marie for her love of life and caring spirit. She was a blessing to know. I give my deepest sympathy to the Vitale and Jeffrey families. (Including, her sister Carol)

Sincere condolences,
Maria Saylor

Thank you so to all who made Saturday’s Ceremony so special.  It truly was a magnificent tribute to Marie.  She was a very strong spirit and positive influence in our Ultimate community, and a very special friend.  My condolences to her mother and her husband; and, to all to the family and friends who supported her to the very end. To be loved by Marie was, indeed, a precious gift. 

Barbara Denison

I was so sad to hear of Marie’s passing. She was such a genuinely sweet person who always had a smile on her face. Just knowing she’s gone makes the world seem a little darker. I will never forget her. Russ, I wish you and all of her family peace.

Lisa Engroff

Words cannot express the sadness I feel at the loss of one the most wonderful, kind, smart, funny and special woman that I’ve had the pleasure of calling my dear friend for 34 years.  I will miss you everyday for the rest of my life. Im just happy you are free. Godspeed marie.
Russ and the Jeffrey family, I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss.
Cindy Stanton

What a loss Marie was so courageous and loving. I appreciate the challenges you have gone through. I will add a flag to in her honor for the memory walk in Sept.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.Kathy Ross

My condolences are with you, Russ.  I know that Marie and you shared a special love, and I’m glad she and you had the years together that you did.  I also have great admiration for you for the love you showed our great friend through her difficult years.  I always will remember Marie’s great spirit of love for others and enthusiasm for life.

Russell and family

Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. Marie was such a lovely and kind person. She touched so many peoples lives in a positive way. My God Bless you and yours.

Love to you, Eleanor, Patrick and Tess Short and Jim Heavens

Dear Russell and family,

Words can not express how we feel. We are all blessed to have known Marie. She was a sincere and special friend to our family. She always wanted to know how everyone else was doing, never focusing on herself. Marie is an inspiration to us all. She is on the stairway to heaven.

Love,
Mary Lynn, Mike, Derek, Diana and Alex DiPaolo

Russ and family,

I offer my deepest sympathies for the loss of your beloved Marie. She was obviously an incredible person and she will be missed. Since I lost my brother, Phil, last November to the same horrible disease, I feel a deep empathy for what you have been through. Please know that I and my family will be praying for you during this difficult time.

Rich Weimar

Russ:

I am so sorry to hear about your loss and wanted to share my condolences. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Ralph Klassa

Russ,

Our condolences on your loss. Marie was truly a lovely person. You are in our thoughts.

Lee and Alison Geib

Oh Marie, Godspeed old friend…

Mike Peters, petersmike60@yahoo.com

Dear Russell and Jeffery and Vitale families,

Marie was certainly a spirit of light and love. She shared generously with everyone who came into her life. I received the gift of her love and energies for so many years, she was a blessing.

I can only imagine the range of emotions you must all be going through at this point. My sympathies are with all of you.

With fond memories, that live on, as she does also,

Susan Gottlieb

Dear Russell and family,

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. While visiting my mother, it was my pleasure to meet Marie at Magnolias of Lancaster and Ephrata Manor. She was very brave and an inspiration to those around her. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Sincerely, Sandy Ferenz (Helen Burket’s daughter)

My condolences to the Vitale and Jeffery families. Marie will be missed by all and by her classmates (1979) that remember her. Marie is with our Lord’s Angels. RIP in Marie

Anita Finnerty Cohick

It truly was my blessing and honor to have spent time with Marie.  I would often come in for a few hours, just to provide relief, but I left with so much.  It was obvious Marie was a very caring, giving, loving person.  While it is extremely difficult, you have to cherish your happy memories and know that so many others cared and do care for your family.  My prayer is that you find strength in knowing that so many people are holding you in thoughts and prayers.  My life was truly touched for the better after my time spent with Marie.  My sincere sympathy to her family .. it is not easy .. but know that she touched the lives of so many people .. who came to love her.  She is finally in peace .. <3

Dear Russell and Family,
  Our sincere condolences for the loss of your dear wife Marie.  Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. 

Much Love,  Rita Killeen & Family

Dear Russell and family,
All warm thoughts are with you in this very difficult time. Please be very patient with yourselves as you await the day when the sun will rise again.
Ritamary Hanly

To the Vitale Family,

I met Marie at Magnolias while my mother was being cared for there. I admired her dignity and grace. I witnessed such love and gentleness in your family that I knew she was special. My heart goes out to all of you.

Sadly,
Robin Ann Horner

God bless you Marie – Richard & Joy Boas

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