Amal Habibi Vitale (1940–2025)
Amal Habibi Vitale, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, educator, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, at the age of 84, following a severe stroke.
Born on November 30, 1940, in Haifa, Palestine, Amal’s early years were shaped by resilience and change. In 1948, her family left Haifa “for the weekend,” expecting to return—only to find themselves forging a new path in Syria and eventually settling in
Beirut, Lebanon.
Determined and ambitious, Amal graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in business at just 20 years old—one of the few women of her time to do so. Her passion for knowledge never waned, and she carried that love of learning into a 25- year teaching career with the Fort Atkinson School District, where she inspired countless students.
In 1961, she married Edward Vitale, her beloved husband of 63 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and intellectual curiosity. In 1972, they moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where they made their home. Amal found community and peace at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, though she believed that religion could be found in all things—especially in acts of kindness and love.
Amal’s home was always open, with room for one more person—or even an entire family—at any meal. Through food, she brought people together, hosting countless dinners and lunches and ensuring everyone who entered her home felt loved and welcomed.
After retirement, Amal remained active with organizations including the University League in Madison, WI, and the Women’s League in Beirut.
Amal’s legacy is one of strength, wisdom, and insatiable curiosity. She believed in living with intention and often asked her students and children, “Did you do this with all your heart?” It was her way of instilling a deep sense of purpose in everything they did.
She is survived by her husband, Edward; her son, Marc Vitale (Darcy Kind); her cherished grandson, Theo Sheridan Vitale; and Theo’s mother, Mary Sheridan. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings, Najwa Faraj (Hikmat), Wael Habibi (Linda), and Randa Karim (Fadi); her sister-in-law, Lillian Habibi; and her brother- and sister-in-law, Albert and Lillian Vitale. Amal was preceded in death by her beloved son, Carl, and her brother, Mazen. She will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Amal’s life will be held on April 28th at 11:30 AM at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton, WI (holywisdommonastery.org), followed by lunch. The family invites all who knew her to join in honoring her memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (www.afedj.org) or the Whitewater Food Pantry.
