Doris Marie Vitali, a 66 year old vibrant woman, passed on May 21 after a brief illness.  She was the devoted wife of 45 years to Ronald Vitali, and together they resided in Berlin.  “Dodi”, as she was known, was born on September 30, 1947 in New Britain, Connecticut to Walter and Margaret Medvec-Radziewicz of New Britain.  Dodi was pre-deceased by her mother. Dodi was a graduate of New Britain High School in 1965 and married Ronald Vitali in 1968.  Together they raised three children and most recently enjoyed raising their newest adopted labradoodle, Munson.  She is survived by her daughter, Lesley (David) Montano of North Haven, her son Peter (Gena) Vitali of Oklahoma City, and her son Richard (Tanya) Vitali of Hamden.  Doris cherished every moment spent with her six grandchildren whom she adored, Michael and Mark Montano, Ella and Willem Vitali, and Noah and Aidan Vitali.  Whether she baked cookies, saw the newest Disney movie, or cheered them on at one of their sporting events, she was always a strong, positive presence in their lives.  Mama Dodi modeled for her grandchildren how to be a warm, loving and compassionate person.   Dodi is also survived by her two loving sisters Janice (Daniel) Roberts of New Britain, and Gail (Timothy) Coppage of East Hartford. Throughout her life she cultivated incredible friendships.  Remarkable connections were created and maintained with wonderful people she worked alongside with at American National Bank, Webster Bank, the Franciscan Life Center in Meriden, and The Connecticut Housing Authority.  She attended Gateway Community College and was inducted into the National Honor Society.  Also, she will forever be in the hearts of her girlfriends in her “Do Nothing Club”. Upon her retirement, she became a docent at the New Britain Museum of Art, providing group tours.  She was a mentor to children in the Cheshire Public School System.  She fabricated quilts for the homeless at the Church of the Ascension and crocheted prayer shawls for the patients at the Father McGiveny Center at Saint Raphael’s in New Haven. Dodi possessed a spiritual faith that was contagious to all she met, seeing the good in everyone.  Doris graced this world with an amazing presence; she was a true angel right here on earth.  Now she has earned her wings! 

Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave., Wednesday morning at 10:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Joan of Arc Church, Hamden. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The visiting hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Smilow Cancer Hospital, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, Connecticut 06508.