Obituary of Vita Besada

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Vita Besada of Vineland, NJ. Vita peacefully went home to Heaven on the morning of January 29, 2024. She was 84 years old. Vita was born in Marsala, Sicily to the late Giacomo and Rosaria (Vomere) Fodera. Vita grew up in Italy along with seven siblings. Their family had a small vineyard and farm, which they all were very proud of. In 1965, Vita received an honorary award for her bravery and willingness to assist in the rescue of several people found unconscious in an underground farming well. She provided aid, until she herself fell victim to the toxic fumes requiring hospital assistance. As a gift, the Ministro of Italy presented her with an honorary award and granted her a passport and ticket to the USA to visit her cousins. She traveled to the USA alone and it was during her extended visit that she met Joseph, the love of her life. They married in 1969 in Vineland, NJ and created a beautiful life and family with each other. Vita worked for many years as a tailor for many distinguished clothing factories. She earned her diploma in Italy as a tailor. She then began working in retail at Ames Department Store before retiring. She adored her two daughters and took pride in instilling Italian traditions and Catholic faith-based morals and values in her family. Vita was an amazingly special woman. Everyone that knew her adored her. Her family, especially her granddaughters, were her biggest pride. As their Nonna, she taught her granddaughters many life skills and loved watching them achieve their many accomplishments. She was the best cook and would share her Italian culture and family cooking traditions with everyone. Every year, even last summer, she had a spectacular garden and loved being outside tending to it. Everything she grew was shared and enjoyed by family and friends. She loved going to the casinos with her family and watching Italian TV programs. Vita was a parishioner of Divine Mercy Parish (St. Francis of Assisi). She is survived by her two daughters & sons-in-law, Joanne & Richard DeMaria Jr. and Anna & Joseph Calvitti; three beautiful granddaughters, Giuliana Calvitti, Giabella DeMaria and Milana DeMaria; her brothers, Domenic and his wife Anna Fodera. Also survived by Antonio Fodera; sisters, Rita (Fodera) Angileri and Giovanna (Fodera) and husband Pino Santo. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also, her special friends who took the best care and love of Vita, Stephanie Ballurio and Barbara Levin and their families. Vita was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Besada; her parents, Giacomo and Rosaria Fodera; brother, Salvatore Fodera and her sister, Brigida Fodera. A church visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 9:45am to 11:45am followed by a funeral mass at 12pm from Divine Mercy Parish, 23 West Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ. Entombment at the mausoleum will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland, NJ. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com