Vida Ritchie DeMale

Vida Ritchie DeMale, 94, of Eastham, formerly of Middletown, CT has passed on March 30, 2021. She was born in Hartford, CT on March 4, 1927, the daughter of David and Alice Mitchell Ritchie. She graduated from Hartford High School in 1945 and then worked for Southern New England Telephone Company until she was married to Daniel H. DeMale on November 25, 1950. They lived in Middletown, CT where their son, Daniel T was born in 1951.

In 1959, they purchased land and built a home in Eastham spending many wonderful summers with family and friends. Their dream came true in 1983 when they retired to their beloved Cape. Their time was spent enjoying square dancing, gardening, fishing, biking, and boating to their hearts content. Vida and Dan managed the Eastham Famous Flower Islands (EFFIs) for over 28 years, playing a major role in its growth to over 20 Islands and position as a popular destination. In 2004 they were chosen as Eastham Citizens of the year. You are all invited to sit on their bench in their memory on the Windmill Green.

She is survived by her loving son Daniel, treasured grandsons Michael and Christopher and his wife Jennifer, beautiful great-granddaughters Eliana, Ava, Quinn, and Lucy of Naperville, IL. She leaves a sister-in-law Eleanor and brother-in-law Robert McNeil of Wallingford, CT. From Eastham, very special mentions of nieces Elaine Gaffey Lucas and Gail Gaffey Pietrycha her husband Richard and their children Gregory, Julie and Adam. From other areas, nieces and nephews Debbie and Tim Poach, Bonnie and John Zuzak, Tim and Lydia Gaffey, and Brian and Debbie Gaffey. Special mention to her cherished neighbors Mike, Joanna and John, and so many Cape friends.

The Nickerson Funeral Home is arranging her internment to be held at the Evergreen Cemetery, Rt. 6 Eastham on April 2, 2021 at 11 AM. There will be a celebration of her Life on a future date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her Memory may be made to Friends of the Eastham Council on Aging or the Eastham Famous Flower Islands (Box 191, No. Eastham, MA 02651). For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.