Vita Jean Montalbano

Vita was born the 15th of January 1936 to Jennie and Yance Sedita, the first of their four daughters. Her love for her faith, family and friends were evident from a young age, and throughout her life she graciously showed that love in kind and generous ways.

Vita was a 1954 graduate of St. Agnes Academy when the school was still located on Fannin Street. During her junior year she met the love of her life, a St. Thomas High School junior named Michael J. Montalbano. A few months after graduation, the couple married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and faithfully lived by their wedding vows for the next 70 years.

After raising their four children, Vita and Mike were invited to join the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a Roman Catholic charitable order that dates back to the 12th century. At the time of her passing, Vita held the rank of Dominam a Magna Cruce (Lady of the Grand Cross). She was also a member of Houston’s Charity Guild of Catholic Women. Vita enjoyed volunteering, especially in the jewelry and clothing departments of the Guild Shop. Her impeccable sense of style and fashion were put to good use in her happy place. Additionally, she was a charter member of Donne Di Domani, another charitable organization.

Vita is survived by her beloved husband, Mike. Children: Joseph (Mary Jo) Montalbano; Sandra Montalbano (Kris O’Grady); Yance Montalbano; Gina (Michael) Adamo. Grandchildren: Vita (Andrew) Dougherty; Michael C. Montalbano; Ginny, Genna, Gia and their mother, Ginger Montalbano. Quint, Emma and Dominic Adamo. Great-grandchildren: Marie, Robert, Oliver, Annie Jean and Lucy Dougherty. Her sisters: Rosalie (Frank) Gusemano; Mary Ann (Thomas) Mitchell; Brothers-in-law Philip (deceased, Jennie) Leman and John (Angela) Montalbano. Sister-in-law Mary Anna (deceased, Frank) Montalbano. Honorary siblings Marion (Rosemary) Filippone. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family extends their gratitude to the medical team of Amy Mynderse, M.D. and Madeline Bunch, R.N. Likewise, many thanks to Carla Jackson and her team of caregivers who assisted Vita during her illness.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from four o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 21st of November, in the Grand Foyer and Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at four o’clock in the afternoon.

A visitation is to be conducted at half past nine o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 22nd of November, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston, where the Mass of Christian Burial is to commence at half past ten o'clock with the Rev. Stephen B. Reynolds officiating.

The family will gather for a private interment.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers during Friday’s service are; Joseph Montalbano, Yance Montalbano, Michael C. Montalbano, Andrew Dougherty, Michael Adamo, Quint Adamo, Dominic Adamo, Louis Gusemano, Thomas Leman and Michael Mitchell.

In lieu of customary remembrance, memorial contributions may be directed to Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 6301 Culebra, San Antonio, TX 78238 or online at www.carmelsanantonio.org; St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056 or online at www.stmichaelchurch.net; or a charity of one’s choice.

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