Maria Violeta Merchan Dais

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Violeta “Vita” Merchan Dais—a beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend—on August 11th. Vita was surrounded by her family in her final hours.

Born in Manila on May 2, 1948, to Consuelo Lerma and Bernardo Merchan, Vita married Alfred Dais in 1976 and initially resided in Roxas City, Capiz. The couple, along with their first child Jubal, emigrated to Woodside, New York in 1981 and later welcomed their son Jephthah after settling in Farmingdale, Long Island.

Thirty years serving building management at 580 Fifth Avenue, Vita was everyone’s go-to connection to New York’s diamond and jewelry district. She enjoyed weekends surrounded by family and friends, never missing celebrations or Masonic family activities.

As the youngest of eight siblings, Vita held a cherished role within her family, known for her warmth, compassion, and unwavering support. She was instrumental in fostering strong family ties, often recounting family history and heritage, and was actively present in the lives of her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren—including Rover and Chewie.

Vita was also a committed member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she exemplified the organization’s values and dedicated herself to charitable activities, forming lasting friendships through her service.

Vita is survived by her husband, Alfred; sons Jubal (Joan) and Jephthah (Joanna); grandchildren Jordan, Jemma Violet, Jackson, Rover, and Chewie; sisters Dr. Gloria (Amador) Muriel and Lourdes (Edgardo) Tolentino; as well as many extended family members and friends who mourn her loss. Vita is predeceased by her parents, Bernardo and Consuelo, and siblings, Theresita, Antonio, Bernardo, Zenaida and Dolores.Her legacy will remain cherished by all whose lives she touched.

It is with both profound sorrow and deep gratitude that we come together to celebrate the life of Maria Violeta Merchan Dais. Visitation - Friday, August 15th, 3-7pm, Arthur F. White Funeral Home, 234 Broadway, Bethpage, NY. Funeral Mass - Saturday August 16th, 10:30 am Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, 855 Carmans Rd, Massapequa Park, NY. Inurnment Services -, Tuesday August 19th, 10:30 am, St. Charles Resurrection, 2015 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY.