Marie Kittel

Marie was born in Brooklyn, NY, graduated from New Utrecht high school and studied food science at New York Institute of Dietetics. She was a head dietician for Stouffer’s Restaurant in New York City, and very recently recalled her experiences there as a guest lecturer at Kaiser University, Florida.

Marie married Fred Kittel, an art director, in 1948 in Brooklyn, NY, where they lived until they made Northport Long Island their home. There, Marie not only dedicated herself to raising her two children, Louise and Janice, but was active in PTA, Girl Scouts, Northport Garden Club, and the First Presbyterian of Northport, NY where she served in numerous capacities. These included teaching Sunday School, working tirelessly as a deacon and leading fund raisers and pledge drives. Marie was also a wonderful cook, sewed most of her daughters’ clothes, and loved playing tennis.

While vacationing at a tennis camp in the early 1970’s, Marie and Fred discovered Stuart Florida and decided this was where they would some day retire. They bought their first apartment there, and eventually moved permanently. A little later, they moved to Jensen Beach, where their lives radically changed when Fred through an unfortunate medical accident became blind. Marie then devoted herself full time to his care, but still managed to be indispensable to her new church, North River Shores Presbyterian.

Throughout her life, Marie’s faith in God was both her driving force and greatest comfort. She loved to talk about the importance of faith and was happiest in the presence of others who believed as she did. She was a source of support and love to many who came to her for solace and advice.

Marie leaves behind her daughter Louise Kittel and son-in-law Jerry Mason of New York, NY, daughter Janice Carl and son-in-law Reinhard Carl of Berlin, Germany, and grandson Christopher Carl of New York, NY.

A memorial service will be held later in the year.

In lieu of flowers, Marie’s family suggests honoring her memory by donation to one of her favorite causes: Heifer International https://www.heifer.org/give/giving-in-honor.html or National Library Services for the Blind https://www.loc.gov/nls/about/support-nls/