Obituary of Vita Gagliardi

Today our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of our beloved Mimi, also known affectionately as "Vi." We will always remember her warmth, love, and generosity.

Vita, which means life in Italian, taught us all some fundamental lessons, the most memorable of which was to develop a powerful faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the love of her husband of 61 years, Lenny, their three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Family was everything to her, and she was everything to our family. As the matriarch, she spent her life covering us all in prayer. Vita loved spending summers with her family in Ocean City and Cape May. She also loved cooking and baking for her family, which she especially enjoyed on Tuesday nights for a weekly family dinner--how we will miss the calzones, escarole soup with the little meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmigiana!

Vita's passion for decorating spilled over into her gift of making beautiful wreaths and centerpieces, which she shared with her family and church. She was always stylish, and her home was a wonder of decoration at Christmas time.

Vita, often known as "Mimi," had a life packed full of love. She was known for her famous greeting, "Hi, Doll!" and had a song to sing for every occasion. "How are you?" you would ask, and she would inevitably reply, "I'm great!" even while struggling with a disease she often conquered over the last six years. Mimi had an endless supply of encouraging words whenever someone was down, offered warm and inviting hugs, and made everyone feel like the most important person in her life. Our lives are better for having known her.

We will miss our Vi, our Mimi, as will all those she impacted throughout her life. A private celebration of Vita's life was recently held for her family.

In honor of her love for Christ, donations in her memory can be made to New Life Assembly of God, 5071 Fernwood Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234.