Marita D. Christian, of Pembroke Pines, FL a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, after a courageous battle against MS and Parkinson’s Disease. Marita was born on October 13, 1958, in Danbury, CT, to the late John Devine and Edna Devine nee Dwyer. She worked hard to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree and was able to do what she loved, teach children. She believed that children are the future of the world and she wanted to make sure they succeeded in life. Preceded in death by her sister, Kathy d’Evegnee. Marita leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Dennis Christian; children, Nicholas Alison Christian and Kaitlin Christian; brothers and sisters, Kevin Jan Devine, Jack Dot Devine, James Diane Devine, Sharon Robert Rivers, Eileen Steve Benthal, Kay Matthew Roche; brother-in-law, Frank d’Evegnee; and a host of friends. Visitation will take place on Monday, July 6, 2015, from 4-8 p.m. with a Tributes of a Lifetime Service at 7:00 p.m. at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, July 7, 10:00 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Gardens Cemetery north.
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MARY CARTAYA (MIRAMAR FL USA)
July 1, 2015, 12:00 am
I AM A BETTER PERSON FOR HAVING KNOWN MARITA AND HER CHIDREN FOR MANY YEARS. SO BLEST THAT I WAS ABLE TO VISIT WITH HER 6/30 AND PRAY WITH HER AND SEE HER RESPOND TO ME AS SHE DID. SHE WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON AND VERY DEAR FRIEND. MY ONLY CONSOLATION IS THAT I KNOW SHE SO LOVED THE LORD THAT THE ANGELS ESCORTED HER UP TO LAY IN THE ARMS OF THE LORD NOW AND FOREVER ETERNAL PEACE MY DEAR FRIEND AND YOU WILL BE MISSED. DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY. ONLY ONE THING COULD BE WORSE IS THAT THERE WAS NEVER A MARITA CHRISTIAN IN MY LIFE.
Michele Sanders (PLANTATION FL)
July 1, 2015, 12:00 am
When the Lord calls our love one home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you during this time. She remains in my heart and I am blessed to have had the privilege to have such a wonderful friend. Love and Prayers, Michele
Kathy Marimon (Pembroke Pines FL)
July 1, 2015, 12:00 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you Dennis, Nicholas, and Kaitlin…I’m so sorry for your huge loss. When I remember Marita, I think of a very strong-willed, determined, caring, and loving woman who never looked for sympathy or attention, but rather always put her husband’s and children’s interests first! She fought the hard battle, is out of her health turmoil, and now at peace in an amazing new home with our heavenly Father. My heart hurts for you all; may all your wonderful memories of your wife and mother help ease the pain. Kathy
Joel and Gina Giacobbe and Family (Davie FL)
July 1, 2015, 12:00 am
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you, Dennis, Nick and Kaitlin. We know the love she had for all of you and will continue to help and guide you through the help of all the angels that she is with now. We have many fond memories of her at all the parties, school events, sporting activities and work at St. B’s. We will continue to keep you in our prayers for strength to get through this difficult time. The Giacobbe’s
Joan Guastafeste (Weston FL)
July 2, 2015, 12:00 am
We were so very sorry to hear that Marita passed away. She was a wonderful, kind woman and we will continue to pray for her and all of you at this difficult time. We are lucky to have known her!! Love from the Guastafeste Family
Jim Devine (prospect CT)
July 3, 2015, 12:00 am
To Dennis,nick,and Caitlin: our deepest sympathies…and our thanks for the loving,caring devotion you all gave Marita during her struggle. Knowing she is now at peace is the first step in filling the void her passing has created in us all.
Jacqueline Puttick (Hollywood FL USA)
July 3, 2015, 12:00 am
Marita was a fantastic educator who always put her family first. Her love of children lit up her heart through her teaching. Please accept my sincerest sympathy at your great loss. Marita is sharing in the Lord’s peace and rejoicing in the alleluias of the angels. She will be missed.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Jacqueline Puttick
Sharon& Bob Rivers (Sarasota FL USA)
July 3, 2015, 12:00 am
Our deepest condolences to Dennis, Nick and Kaitlin. We share your memories and your loss. As Marita rests in peace may we all be at peace in our hearts.
Kevin and Jan Devine (Easley SC USA)
July 3, 2015, 12:00 am
We love you Marita, always and forever. Rest peacefully in His loving arms.
Kim Devine-Kirchner (Greenville SC U.S. )
July 3, 2015, 12:00 am
Aunt Marita you will be missed! Thankful that you are now healed and in the arms of God. We love you! Uncle Dennis, Kaitlin and Nick, we are always here and praying for you.
Tino & Penny Zervigon (Pembroke Pines FL USA)
July 5, 2015, 12:00 am
Marita is now in a wonderful place and at peace. The happy memories will always be something that each of you can look back on with fondness. Our prayers are with you Dennis, Nicholas and Kaitlin.
David Negron (Hollywood FL United States)
July 6, 2015, 12:00 am
She touched many lives over the years and its time the angels escort her soul to the kingdom of God…I loved making her laugh the times we were together : God bless her and her family…David, Natalia & Sebastian
Timothy Devine (Sarasota FL USA)
July 6, 2015, 12:00 am
Aunt Marita will be missed by her family and friends but lives on in our memories. Sending hugs and prayers to Uncle Dennis, Nick, Kaitlin, and the rest of said family and friends from Sarasota.
Cindy Masterson (Wallingford CT)
August 16, 2015, 12:00 am
I have so many fond memories of Marita, myself and our great group of friends from high school. She was always so upbeat, full of life and such a great friend. My sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the family. She will truly be missed.