Obituary of Lorraine Marie Vitale

     Lorraine Vitale, daughter of Michaelina Starace (Munier) and Vincent Starace, was born in Rutherford, New Jersey at a very early age on September 26, 1939.  She was one of six children, with three sisters and two brothers, and the fifth born to the family. As she grew up, the family relied on her heavily to provide support and care to the family during and after her school years.

     She attended public schools, graduated from Saint Mary's High school, and due to family needs, continued her efforts of work and family support.  Early in 1959, she met Joe, a navy veteran and college student on a small playground in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  It was instant love!  They were married in a church ceremony in Rutherford, New Jersey on May 28, 1961. Lorraine was dedicated to Joe and worked and supported him throughout his college years while she also continued to work and support her family.

     She was completely devoted and loved Joe unconditionally.  In 1963, her first child was born, 2 months before Joe's college graduation, followed by 2 more within the next 2 years, until a government job moved them to Heidelberg, Germany, where she had her 4th child. As a side note, we were told that if transferred to Germany, a person must buy a Grandfather's Clock, purchase a Painting, and Have a child. AND LORRAINE DID IT ALL!  Lorraine, a faithful, caring, and loving mother, continued to raise and love her children and any others that needed care and support.  We always told her that her tombstone would be engraved with the words, "BECAUSE YOU CARED TOO MUCH."  She was a friend and Mother to all who came in contact with her.  

     Always ready, willing, and able to help and care for others, Lorraine accompanied Joe in a long career of civil Service positions worldwide, moving constantly all over the world, tending to the needs of her children and others in foreign countries and several stateside locations, including Hawaii and California.  Lorraine was the cement holding the family unit tightly together, healing bruises and cuts, and offering words of encouragement and love while Joe tended to Government work during several travel assignments.

     The years, since 1981, were spent in the Washington, D.C. area where she was determined to set down roots.  JOE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO COMPLY!!  

     Lorraine, a loving wife and Mother of 4, grandmother of 10, and great grandmother of 8, peacefully passed away on December 16, 2021 at 6:35 AM at Reston Hospital.  Although Lorraine had many medical issues that included severe pain and breathing, she never let them prevent her from helping others.  Always there, always helping, and always caring for others.  She will be terribly missed by our family, and by many, many others who knew her.

     While in Hospice Care in Reston Hospital, her family gathered around her for a final viewing and goodbye visit.  Even though she was medicated, we were told that she could hear us. We believe that the family gathering, talking, well wishes, and stories were heard and made her happy. She always wanted her family around her to have a good time.  In fact, her Christmas wish this year was to have the whole family together for the holiday, and again through her love, she made it so.  She passed peacefully, thankfully no longer suffering the severe pains and breathing difficulties.

     We are all saddened by her departure, but certain that the Lord sent his Angels down to escort her to his side.  Of this, we are most grateful. 

We love you Honey, and shall meet you again in the future. 

     ALL OUR LOVE AND DEVOTION, FOREVER .  THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE FOR US AND SHOWING US THE RIGHT PATH. WE CAN ONLY HOPE TO BE AS LOVING AND SINCERE AS YOU.  

The Vitale Extended Family