Mary DeMattie Vitale, 84, of Woodbridge, died peacefully Dec. 1 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford surrounded by her loving family. Mary Palma DeMattie was born March 24, 1929, Palm Sunday, to Italian immigrants Nicolo and Theresa Perrone DeMattie.

A lifelong resident of Woodbridge, Mary was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church. She graduated from Commercial High School in New Haven and attended Paier School of Art. Three of her brothers served overseas during World War II, and Mary remained very patriotic throughout her life. Before she had children, Mary worked for nine years at Blue Cross in New Haven. Growing up with six brothers, she became an accomplished athlete, and was a star player for the Blue Cross softball team.

She was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the UConn women's basketball team. She enjoyed attending concerts and shows, especially to see her favorite singer Patrizio. Mary also loved vacations to the beach with her family, and more recently enjoyed babysitting her new grandson. Nothing was more important to Mary than her children and grandchildren, which she demonstrated on a daily basis. Her greatest joy was weekly gatherings with family, and she delighted in preparing traditional Italian dishes with her own special touch. Mary will be fondly remembered for her big heart and devotion to her large extended family.

Mary's family would like to thank the nurses of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit at Yale-New Haven Hospital, especially Shelly, for their compassionate care of Mary.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband John, with whom she celebrated 60 years on Sept. 26. She is also survived by her children Hon. Elpedio N. Vitale and his wife Robin of Madison, Jennifer Fiondella and her husband Mike of Bethany, and John Vitale, Jr., and his wife Lisa of Woodbridge; grandchildren Laura Vitale Wahrenburg, Amanda Vitale, Michael Fiondella, Nicholas Fiondella, Mary Rose Fiondella and John Paul Vitale; and brothers Steve DeMattie of Orange and Rudy DeMattie of New Haven. She was predeceased by her brothers Renny, Albert, Joseph, and William DeMattie.

Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Thursday, Dec. 5 at 9:15 a.m. for a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Center Road, Woodbridge. Interment will follow in Eastside Cemetery, Woodbridge. The visiting hours will be Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. The North Haven Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.northhavenfuneral.com.