Natalie Litos

Born on December 21, 1932, in São Miguel Island, Portugal, Natalie was the daughter of Manuel and Lucardia (Ventura) Canario. After graduating from a Catholic boarding school in Ponta Delgada at age 15, she immigrated to the United States, where she reunited with her parents and siblings in Fall River, Massachusetts.

Soon after her arrival, Natalie attended a girls’ dance gathering at the Litos family home, where she met the love of her life, Anthony (“Tony”) Litos, who was visiting from college. Their first dance together marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. They were married on October 31, 1953, at Fort Dix New Jersey before embarking on a three-year tour of duty in Germany, where they welcomed their first child, Philip. Upon returning to Massachusetts, they eventually settled in a section of Raynham called Pleasantfield (fondly referred to as the Vill), raising their family with love, faith, and tradition.

A devout Catholic, Natalie lived her life guided by service to others. She volunteered as a translator for social services, helping women in need, and remained active with Stonehill College’s Holy Cross Retreat House, My Brother’s Keeper, the Polish American Club and St. Anne’s Church. She was known for her generosity, compassion, and unwavering support for those facing hardship.

Natalie had many passions. She loved to cook, her pizza was a neighborhood favorite, and she was a gifted knitter in her spare time. She enjoyed camping, tennis, cribbage, dominoes, and bingo, and cherished summers spent by the sea in Jamestown, Rhode Island. She delighted in teaching her children and grandchildren how to catch and enjoy shellfish, passing down traditions with joy and humor.

In 1995, Natalie and Tony relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida, and later settled in Bradenton in 2011. She continued her faith as an active member of Sacred Heart Church, regularly attending Mass, and she treasured the friendships she built there, often hosting weekly domino games with friends.

Natalie was preceded in death by her husband Tony, parents, Manuel and Lucardia Canario; her brother, John Canario; her sisters, Ophelia Moniz and Elda Amaral; and her son, Eric J. Litos. She is survived by her beloved children, Philip A. Litos, Mark A. Litos, David J. Litos, and Missy E. (Litos) Olson, along with their spouses; fifteen grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

A funeral service honoring Natalie’s life will be held at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home 1221 53rd Ave East Bradenton on September 27th at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to causes close to Natalie’s heart, including My Brother’s Keeper, Holy Cross Retreat House in North Easton, Massachusetts, or the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Natalie will be remembered for her deep faith, her compassion for others, and the enduring legacy of love she leaves with her family.