Obituary of Georgine Ellen Vitale

Georgine Ellen Vitale joined the Lord on Monday, February 6, 2023 at Brookdale Chambrel Pinecastle assisted living in Ocala, Florida.  Georgine was 98 years old.

Georgine Ellen Kutz was born in Summit Hill, Pennsylvania on April 23, 1924 - the daughter of Bernard B. Kutz and Anna Kutz (Brosious).  She was raised in Summit Hill along with her older sister, Burnetta, and her younger brother, Bernard.

Georgine graduated from Allentown Business School in Allentown, PA.  She married B. Hampton Freeman and lived in Summit Hill where their daughters, Patricia and Cheryl, were born.

Georgine and her family moved to New Providence, New Jersey, where she became very active in the United Methodist Church, the Girl Scouts of America, Meals on Wheels and the League of Women Voters. She also became a real estate agent.

In 1974 Georgine and her second husband, Sam Vitale, moved to Ocala, Florida.  She joined the Ocala First United Methodist Church and quickly became an active leader within the church serving as a lay leader on many committees.  She joined United Methodist Women and eventually led that group as District President.

Since her faith was first and foremost in her life, Georgine joined the ecumenical group, Church Women United, in 1951.  Over the next six decades she held a variety of leadership positions within CWU.  As late as 2019 Georgine served as the President of the Marion County Unit of the Florida CWU.

Georgine loved flowers and butterflies.  After moving to Ocala she joined the Pioneer Garden Club and served as an officer in all capacities including President for several years.  For 22 years she managed the Garden Club office coordinating rentals of the club facility.

Her civic devotion led Georgine to serve for 12 years on the board of directors of the Central Florida Symphony which included ten years as the board secretary.

Georgine loved to study the Bible, crochet, read, play Bridge, garden, and visit shut-ins from her church.  Her home was decorated with angel figurines, butterflies, and photographs of her family.

Georgine was preceded in death by her husband of ten years, Sam Vitale, and by her brother, Bernard Kutz.

She is survived by her sister, Burnetta DePuy, daughter Patricia Kortjohn (Martin), daughter Cheryl Shean (John), four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Georgine will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, 910 SE Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, Florida, 34481.  The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 14th at 12:00 noon at the Ocala First United Methodist Church, 1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, Florida, 34470.  Interment will follow the funeral at Highland Memorial Park, 1515 NE 3rd Street, Ocala, FL, 34470.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in honor of Georgine to any of the following organizations:
Church Women United at churchwomenunited.net
Pioneer Garden Club, PO Box 6864, Ocala, FL 34478
Ocala First United Methodist Church, 1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470