Myrtle E. Vitarius, 75, a longtime resident of New Paltz, died Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
Born in Kingston, she was a daughter of the late Albert & Marguerite Hasbrouck Ronk.
Myrtle married Frederick J. Vitarius on March 23, 1968 at the Church of the Nazarene in New Paltz. At age 17 Myrtle began working at the New Paltz Laundry before becoming owner/operator for over 30 years. During that time, the Laundry was a place where many would spend hours sitting, socializing, getting advice and forming lifelong friendships. In 2001 Myrtle closed her doors for the last time to start a new chapter in her life working for the New York State DEC.
Myrtle loved the ocean and spending time at the beach. She also loved camping at North Lake and taking trips to the family cabin “Quad V Acres” with family and friends as long as the bugs weren’t too bad. In her past times she enjoyed her version of gardening and looked forward to cooking meals and being surrounded by family and friends especially around the holidays. She was always there whenever anyone needed her to take them to appointments or lend a helping hand in any way she could. When she wasn’t busy helping others, she was spending time shopping or going out to eat with her closest friends. Myrtle was always up for a cup of coffee. Overall, Myrtle’s most cherished role was being “Nan” and spending time with her 3 grandchildren.
Myrtle is survived by two sons, Frederick J. Vitarius II of Gillett, PA and Shan Vitarius and his wife Jessica of New Paltz, her granddaughter Shelby Sickler and her husband Bryan, her grandson Shan Vitarius II and his fiancée Julia Vargas and her granddaughter Avery Vitarius. She is also survived by her former daughter in law Diane Vitarius of Highland as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Myrtle was predeceased by her husband, Frederick J Vitarius and four brothers, George, Kenneth, Bruce and Alton Ronk.
The family will receive friends at the Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home, 162 South Putt Corners Rd. on Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 3-6 PM. A funeral service, officiated by Bishop Gregory Ortiz will begin at 4:30 p.m. the same day. A graveside inurnment will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at New Paltz Rural Cemetery, also officiated by Bishop Gregory Ortiz.
Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of Myrtle with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family of Myrtle by visiting www.copelandhammerl.com
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