Mary Lozito Vodopia

A child of Italian heritage, Mary Fidella Lozito (Dell), was born into the depression era in January, 1930, in Somerville NJ. She was raised to be resourceful: to use it up, to wear it out, and to make it do. Those qualities along with a quiet perseverance grounded her throughout her life.

Dell graduated from high school in 1947 and began working at a bank, where her proficiency with numbers made it an easy fit. She married a young Navy veteran, Theodore Joseph Vodopia, in 1950, and together they raised four children in New Jersey. When her husband started his plumbing business, she handled all the office functions: scheduling jobs, invoicing customers, paying the bills. Later, she reprised that role in the package store and bar that she, her husband and her son owned. After a lifetime of working in their businesses, Dell and Ted happily retired to Florida. After Ted passed, Dell remained in Florida until permanently moving to Cape Cod.

Dell had a fierce love for her family and friends and was always generous with her time. Every year she prepared an Italian feast for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but more than anything, having the table squeezed with extra chairs is what gave her joy. In the summer it was the backyard that played host to all manner of celebrations, once again gathering together with those she loved.

Dell had an open heart and a quick smile that always reached her eyes. She could be convinced to try things outside her comfort zone: riding Space Mountain (never again!), learning to sketch (Yes!). She loved the ocean, beaches and marshes, often just sitting in a chair, taking in a sunset. She loved a good mystery, she loved engaging with her children’s friends, and she loved her dark chocolate. But it was her faith, strong and unwavering, that defined the way she lived her life. She will be dearly missed.

She was predeceased by her grandson, Dylan Thomas Matheson, in 1991, and by her husband in 2012. She is survived by her son T. Christopher Vodopia and his wife Nancy, her daughter Michelle Vodopia and her wife Judith Oset, her daughter Leigh Ann Matheson and her husband Kenny, and her daughter Jeanne King and her husband Michael. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Lauren Elbaz, Chris and Katherine Vodopia, Kyle Matheson, Samantha, Aaron and Adam King and four great grandchildren.

The family will have a celebration of life at a later date. Mary will be laid to rest in St. Peter the Apostle Cemetery, Provincetown, MA.