Marta Vivanco Polit

Marta Vivanco Polit October 20, 1930 - November 4, 2016 Marta Vivanco de Polit, at the age of 86, left this world to begin her spiritual journey Friday evening November 4, 2016. After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, she passed away in the comfort of her own home in St. Augustine, Florida, surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and twin sister. Marta was born October 20, 1930 in Quito Ecuador to Julio and Rosa Vivanco. She was one of six siblings: Maria Luisa, Edmundo, Rodrigo, Patricio, and her paternal twin Adela. In her youth, Marta excelled at playing the piano and studied at the Conservatorio de Música in Quito, Ecuador. She had many friends and was known for her elegance and beauty but will always be remembered for her sweetness, grace and kindness to others. On January 30, 1955, she took the holy vows of matrimony with Carlos Oswaldo Polit, MD. in the private chapel of the Papal Nuncio in Quito, Ecuador. Accomplishing nearly 62 years of marriage, Marta and Oswaldo’s courtship started five years earlier while Oswaldo completed his medical studies. Their inseparable bond of almost 67 years is a testament to their never ending love and commitment to each other. Marta and Oswaldo immigrated to the United States in 1955 and had their first child that year. The next 5 years were years of sacrifice as Oswaldo’s medical training precipitated long working hours and cross country moves from Baltimore, MD to Pueblo, CO and then to Kansas City, MO before settling in Decatur, IL where they bought their first home and raised a family before retiring to Florida. Marta and Oswaldo raised three children: Ozzie Polit, Mario Polit and Carmen Polit Martin. Marta was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She dedicated her life to support the wellbeing and happiness of her family with affection, tenderness and generosity. In her final years and days, Marta never lost her sweetness and graciousness that characterized her personality. She remembered her roots and cherished her immediate family to the end. While our hearts are heavy in sorrow, we rejoice that Marta made the world a better place for all who knew her, and we are comforted knowing that she has joined our heavenly Father and now watches over her family. Funeral Mass Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 2:00 PM EST Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church 5950 State Road 16 St. Augustine, FL 32092 (904) 824-8688 Reception to follow - Please RSVP via email for location and details to: [email protected] Special Thanks The Polit family expresses heartfelt thanks to: Patrice Smith, who devotedly loved and cared for Marta as her health declined this past year. We also thank Community Hospice of St. Augustine whose extraordinary professionalism and compassion did everything possible to make mom comfortable in her last weeks of life. If you are considering flowers or gifts, please consider instead a contribution in Marta’s name to: Alzheimer’s Association http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp Northeast Florida Community Hospice https://communityhospice.com/for-donors/ways-to-give.aspx