Maria Rosa Vitetta, (1859-8/10/1929). "separated from her children"

 DEATHS

VITETTA. — At her residence, Trafalgar street North, Nelson, on 8th October, 1929, Maria Rosa, widow of the late Antonio Vitetta, in her 70th year. — R.I. P.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 9/10/1929.

FUNERAL NOTICE 

THE friends of the late Mrs Maria Rosa Vitetta are informed that her funeral will leave her late residence, Trafalgar street North at 8.45 o'clock TOMORROW (Thursday).   -Nelson Evening Mail, 9/10/1929.

OBITUARY

MRS M. R. VITETTA 

Mrs M. R. Vitetta, whose death occurred suddenly at her home in Trafalgar street North this week, had made many friends during her 14 years' residence in Nelson. She had not been in good health for some time past, but no anxiety was felt regarding her condition. She was about the house last Tuesday, and after dinner was engaged in knitting, when she suddenly collapsed and expired before the arrival or a doctor.

The funeral, which took place on Thursday was largely attended by citizens, British and Italians. The burial service was conducted by Father O'Connell, and Mr J. Rogero delivered a funeral oration. As Mr Rogero spoke in Italian, the majority of those at the graveside were unable, to follow his remarks, which were as follows: "Before this cold earth covers the remains of our esteemed and dear friend Maria Rosa Vitetta whose death we, together with her sons, so greatly grieve, I deem it a duty to bid her a last farewell and pay to her memory a tribute, sincerely felt, because it is true, and not only true, but great, because you and I know that within this coffin lay the mortal remains of a woman of sterling character. She was a mother with exemplary and heroic qualities whose affection and love for her family ought to immortalise her, if men's opinions count for anything in the presence of death. We feel sure that her spirit, freed from the bonds of flesh, has reached that goal for which we have been created. Yes! Great and noble was Signora Vitetta's life, because it was spent in doing good — greater and nobler than many so-called heroes who achieved their fame over the ruins caused by their actions, whereas the deceased's life has been spent in the practise of virtues in the secret of her heart; in continuous efforts to the fulfilment of her duties; in suffering with silent resignation. All these, not for self-gratification, but in order to be useful to others. Who could adequately describe her anguish, her fear, her sleepless nights during the long years that she was separated from her children? Other mothers under the same conditions would have felt the hopelessness of the position and have fallen victims of despair. Not so with Mrs Vitetta. The love, by which her heart was inflamed, did not recognise obstacles. She left her native country, strengthened by her faith in God, and set forth for unknown continents to look for her children, and she did not rest until she found them. A sublime example of mother love which equals some of the best recorded by history. I will not tarry in telling of the vicissitudes in New Zealand, but I am not guilty of exaggeration in stating that if to-day her sons are enjoying the respect of every class of the community, it is the result of their mother's efforts. Nevertheless, her affections were not circumscribed within narrow limits but extended outside the domestic walls. On account of her kind disposition she was the friend, the adviser, the good angel, to all those who approached her and were in need. I am certain to express your feelings when I state that Signora Vitetta's death will be deeply felt by all the Italians here and that her place in life will be very hard to fill. Death is inexorable. We will all be its prey. Its sickle which cut short the life of our lamented departed seems cruel. We must, nevertheless, derive consolation from the thought that the death of the body is only the beginning of the new and everlasting life which God has promised to His faithful. Let us weep over her grave, but in the meantime we must not forget to offer a fervent prayer for her eternal rest. The bitterness of her separation must be an incentive for us to imitate her good examples — above all, the wish, the resolution to do good always, even to those who to us seem unworthy without expecting praise or retribution; to do good even if ingratitude or calumny try to throw a slur on our good intentions; and lastly to practise the religious principles which should be our deepest treasure, because they alone will contribute to our happiness here and will procure for us everlasting bliss. Farewell to thee, Maria Rosa, find mayst thou kindly smile over us from thy heavenly abode, as thou didst whilst here on earth. Farewell!"  -Nelson Evening Mail, 12/10/1929.

THANKS

THE Family of the laet M. R, Vitetta desire to thank all kind friends for expressions of sympathy and floral tributes in connection with their recent bereavement; also Dr. Bett for his care and attention.   -Nelson Evening Mail, 12/10/1929.

Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson.