Marie R. Vita of Lexington peacefully passed away in her sleep on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at Shenandoah Valley Nursing Home at the age of 100, several months shy of her 101st birthday.

She was born in Naples, Italy, on May 22, 1922, to the late Dominick DelPrete and Concetta Romito DelPrete. The family migrated to Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1924.

Maria, her birth name, was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Anthony Vita. They lived in Brooklyn until moving to Lexington in 1978 upon Tony’s retirement.

She was one of six children and the last surviving member of her family.

She is survived by her three children: Joseph A. Vita (Joanne), Christine E. Vozzo (Dominck), and John P. Vita (Edwina), all of Lexington. In addition, she leaves six grandchildren: Anthony V. Vita of Lexington, Michael Vozzo (Christyl) of Lexington, Joseph A. Vita Jr. Of Tampa, Fla., Christopher Vozzo (Hannah) of Lexington, Kelsey Vita of Willamsburg, and Spenser LeBlanc of Waynesboro.

Marie lived for her family and never hesitated to acknowledge how proud she was of all of her children and grandchildren. She was known for the unhesitating empathy she always displayed for all in addition to her honesty and integrity.

For over 50 years she was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness and was a member of the Lexington North Congregation in Lexington.

The family will receive friends at Harrison Funeral Home in Lexington at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. conducted by Elder Kenneth Kurpik.

That will be followed by a graveside service at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens.