Vita Margaret Totta

Vita Margaret Totta, “V”, 90 of Independence, formerly of Lee’s Summit passed away peacefully, January 4th, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Carrie, brother Steve Barber, husband Jay, and daughter Frances Jean.

Vita was born February 15, 1931 to Sicilian immigrants, Anthony Barber and Vita Barber (Tamburello), in Kansas City Missouri. She attended and graduated from North East High School. At the age of 17 Vita married the love of her life Jay (Jasper) Totta. She always said that she chased him until he caught her. They were married June 8, 1948 and celebrated 57 years together, prior to his passing in 2006. Together they raised 6 children, Frances Jean, Vincent (Melinda), Mary (Greg), Vita (Tom), Antonia (Larry), and Anthony (Brandi). Vita had 13 Grandchildren, Vincent (Brandi), Tommy (Dillia), Shauna (Justin), Gregory (Angela), Michael (Bridget), Samantha (Parker), Samuel (Tia), Steven (Jenna), John Jay (Jessica), Jillian (Aaron), Sarah, Jenna and Aria. She had 15 Great Grandchildren with 2 on the way.

Vita attended Nativity of Mary Catholic Church where served on the altar society for over 60 years. She also sang in the church choir and never missed a Christmas midnight mass, including this most recent Christmas. In 1963 Vita and her husband Jay founded the legendary V’s Italiano Ristorante which is now owned and operated by 4 of her children and a third generation grandson. Her love was anything involving work. Family, gardening, landscaping, painting, not art, but homes and businesses, where she painted the entire building when the current restaurant was built in 1972.

Ask anyone what they remember most about Vita and undoubtedly, they will refer to her work ethic. Vita was a loving wife, sister, daughter-in-law, mother, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother, but her legacy will be the many lives she touched through their employment at the restaurant. She was a second mother to many of her employees and the work ethic she fostered within hundreds will live on for generations. Her entrepreneurial spirit inspired many to open their own businesses. She will be missed by all whom she mentored.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the outpouring of support expressed, since her passing from, family and friends.

Services for Vita will be on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, located at 10021 East 36th Terrace, Independence MO 64052. Visitation will be 1:00pm to 3:00pm with Mass of Christian Burial at 3:00pm with interment following in the mausoleum at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Services will be streamed at the following links:

Facebook - Nativity of Mary Parish www.facebook.com/nativityofmaryparish

YouTube - Nativity Parish www.youtube.com/channel/UC9oXuLHLBNzMzJOHFlCSJzQ

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Vita M. Totta Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of Blue Ridge Bank and Trust, 4200 Little Blue Parkway, Independence MO 64057. This endowment will be used to fund an annual scholarship for a student in need at Nativity of Mary Catholic School.