Susan Vitale
July 20, 1957 - October 27, 2017
Obituary
MIDDLETON- Susan Carol Vitale passed away quietly in her sleep on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at the age of 60. Born July 20, 1957, in Massachusetts, Susan was a gentle and caring soul who dedicated her life to creativity. She was an artist, a teacher, a musician, a wife, and a mother to three children upon whom she bestowed an inordinate amount of love. Susan was a student of the spirit, a practitioner of mindfulness, a passionate advocate of art and its power to uplift the human condition. Her razor-sharp intellect was exceeded only by a boundless capacity for empathy. She was beloved by all living things she encountered, from the birds that flocked to her backyard feeders to her school-aged piano students to her blessed and eternally grateful family. Susan took special care to instill enlightened values in her children; teaching each of them to be mindful, curious, creative, and above all kind. Susan never lost sight of the redemptive value of aesthetics. When a fire tragically took her family home in 2012, she worked feverishly to redesign its replacement. The result was an elegant, stylish space of impeccable charm. It is in this space that a memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. All those who were touched by Susan’s life are invited to come. Susan was survived by her loving family, friends and students; her father, Paul Witherington; step-mother, Gay Witherington; father-in-law, Vito Vitale; and so many other family members that will miss her. She was preceded in death by Donna McFarland (Edwards); and her mother-in-law who passed earlier this year, Dorothea Vitale. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
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Memories
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Laura Zab
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Well, no one ever wants to go first, but I don't mind, so I will. I knew John in High School. He was a deeply serious musician and person (to my eyes). I was in the senior play he helped to write. It was a wild thing I doubt most of us understood--I know our parents didn't know what hit them! I recall a conversation in which I told him I wanted to have 12 kids, he looked shocked and said he wasn't sure about having any kids (this is my memory, his may be different!) When I learned recently that he had three children and read some of what they posted about him and Susan on FB and Nick's blog all I could think was, "Huh?" What happened to that guy I knew? Well, clearly it was all right there: Susan happened to him! From all I've read about her, he was a lucky man indeed; but she sounds like she was a pretty smart lady with a strong ability to influence others for good. She clearly did that for John and her children, and it seems she felt herself to be pretty lucky in him as well. My heartfelt prayers go out to all her family, friends and students. Treasure your memories of her and live your lives to the fullest. I can think of no better way to honor her. With deepest sympathy and ongoing prayers, Laura Zab 11/2/17
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David Witherington
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Susie was, is, and will always be the coolest big sister anyone could have. Her giving knows no bounds. Thank you, Susie, for always going out of your way to make those around you feel supremely valued.
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Vito vitale
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What a beautiful Lady. Can’t wait to see you my brother we will all miss her deeply. Vito
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Julia Heyden
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Aunt Susan was a woman of class. She was especially kind, witty, intelligent, talented and conversationally welcoming. I admired her and will miss her.
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Stephanie Hammes
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Susan radiated warmth. My son is a friend of Dan's and Susan was always so loving to him when he spent time at the Vitale home. What a terrible loss. Sending my love to Dan, John, and the rest of the family.
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Rin Ribble
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I have worked next to Susan's office for the last 5 years. I got my start with teaching violin and would ask her advice on being a teacher, she always had a warm welcome for me. I am very sad to know that she has left us so soon, sending lots of love to her students and family, especially John.