Helen Brennan Vitale

March 29, 1931 - October 11, 2009

Helen B. Vitale

3/29/1931-10/11/2009

A life lived with love

 

 Helen B. Vitale left this world with grace and peace on October 11, 2009 with her loving family by her side. She fought a valiant and dignified fight with cancer, surrendered, but never lost faith. The more that was stripped away and the more vulnerable she became, the more beautiful and lovely she appeared, revealing her essence of deep and abiding love which has defined her life.

 

A native of Pelham New York, Helen graduated from the College of New Rochelle, and was employed by NBC Sports, working with Lindsey Nelson prior to her marriage to her late husband, Albert G. Vitale, MD, founder of the Cardio- Pulmonary Departments at both St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in Manhattan and Overlook Hospital in Summit New Jersey.

 

While primarily devoted to the needs of her family, Helen was also well known in the Summit community for over 30 years for her characteristically tireless voluntary service at Overlook hospital, Family Services, St. Teresa’s Parrish and the New Jersey Commission for the Blind.  She was an avid golfer and paddle tennis player and an active member of the Rock Spring Club, West Orange New Jersey.

 

Following 5 years in Convent Station, New Jersey, Helen relocated to Salt Lake City in 2004, following the death of her beloved husband, where she has been an integral part of the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was quick to make friends and enjoyed playing bridge with the Newcomer’s Club, Friends Club, and St Vincent’s Bridge group. She was a member of St. Catherine of Sienna’s Catholic Church.

 

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas I. Brennan, her sister, Georgine Brennan, and her loving husband Albert G. Vitale, MD. She is survived by her sisters, Grace B. Steer, her identical twin, Sally A Taylor, and her brother Thomas I. Brennan.  Helen also leaves behind her three loving children and their spouses: Albert T. Vitale, MD, Patricia A.Vitale, MD and four grandchildren, Jazz, Alexandra, Sophia, and Ryan of Salt Lake City, Utah; Thomas W. Stanton-Vitale and Gaysu Stanton-Vitale of Reston Virginia; and Helen F. Vitale of Roselle Park, New Jersey.

 

Helen’s true legacy is the fruit of a life lived with love. In both health and illness, she illuminated suffering with some measure of joy, sought to comfort rather than to be consoled, maintained hope in utter darkness. She was elegant in stature, courageous of mind and generous of spirit with a unique capacity to grasp happiness and impart it to others, heart to heart.

 

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Newman Center, 170 University St, Salt Lake City, UT, 84102.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Fourth Street Clinic or to the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake City.

 

Hers was a life lived with love, gentle kindness, hope, gratitude, and courage.

 

Love deeply and unconditionally, show others kindness, grab happiness as it comes and be grateful.

In Loving Memory

We Honor Helen Vitale for her son, Albert Vitale, our own personal angel.

Rob, Joni and Jane Dahle

Holladay, Ut

Sincerest condolences on your loss. No words can sofen the loss .My best to the family

Dave Penman

Salt Lake City, ut

Dear Al, I don't know if you remember us. We use to meet you at St Thomas More Church at daily mass. We are so sorry to hear that Helen passed away. The newspaper article was so Helen, she was really a wonderful woman. She never forgot our birthdays even when she moved. Helen made me a painted flower pot with my name on it I still have it and every time I look at it I think of her. Again our heartfelt sorry go to you and your family. Bill & Florence Kearney 85 Independence Way Convent Station, NJ 973-539 4051

bill & florence kearney

convent Station, nj

Dear Al, Michael & I were long time friends of your Mom & Dad from Rock Spring and even earlier. We remember you as friends of our daughter Elena & her husband Harry Coniaris. Your Mom was truly a very caring, loving person and beautiful inside & out. My husband found (thru the Lion's Club) your sisters' fiirst piano teacher. God has blessed you & your siblings with wondeful parents & they inturn have left you a beautiful legacy of how to live your lives in Gods' image. Mom will be missed by everyone, may her memory be forever eternal. Sincerely, Vannette & Michael

Vannette & Michael Carousis

Manasquan, Nj

What a generous life your mom lived! I think of you all often and have happy memories spending time with "the Vitales." My love to you all

Beth Snodgrass

Redwood City, CA

To the family of Helen Vitale: We were sorry to learn of Helen's passing. She was a vibrant woman. We met Helen and Al about four years before Al's death. In that short time we enjoyed their company very much. Our son Chris went to school with daughter Helen. Joan was one of the secret valentines. Our prayers, sympathy and fond memories are dedicated to Helen and your family at this difficult time. Sincerely, Joan & Jerry Murphy

Joan & Jerry Murphy

Summit, NJ

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