Vita Dana, 92, passed away on February 22, 2014 in Maple Valley, WA.

Vita was born on March 9, 1921 in Chicago, IL, the 6th of 13 children born to Italian immigrants, Juliano "Frank" Calsi and Calogera "Katie" Tortorissi Calsi.  As a young woman Vita attended Ball State College in Muncie, IN studying secretarial skills.  Vita was offered a scholarship to a business school in Denver, Co but her father declined saying she had plenty of education for a girl.  When the family moved back to Chicago Vita attended night classes at DePaul studying bookkeeping and business classes.  She worked as a switchboard operator for numerous companies.

Vita met and fell in love with a young sailor stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base.  They were married on December 24, 1945.  To this union of Merle (Mick) Dana and Vita Calsi Dana was born three children, Michael (Mick), Kathleen (Kathy), and Daniel (Dan).

Vita and Mick owned and operated a general store in Chicago, Il.  When their two small children, Mick and Kathy, were ages 5 and 4, Mick and Vita decided to move to a small community, Whitewood, SD to raise their young family.  Vita owned and operated the Dana Cafe and Mick worked as an electrician.

Fond family memories include fishing trips to the Oahe Reservoir in Pierre and road trips to Florida where Vita's family then lived.  For years after they retired, Vita and Mick traveled to flea markets all around the area and as far away as Arizona.  They sold their merchandise including handmade items such as beaded jewelry made by Vita.  They had a booth in Sturgis at the annual motorcycle rally until they were in their 70s.

Vita crocheted everything from christening gowns for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to afghans, dog sweaters and elaborate sweaters for her children and grandchildren.

Vita was predeceased by her husband, Mick, parents, 12 siblings, numerous nephews and nieces.  She is survived by her children, Mick (Jo Conda) Spearfish, SD, Kathy (Rich) Maple Valley, WA, Dan, Puyallup, WA, nine grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, numerous brothers and sisters-in laws, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 21, 2014 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Spearfish with burial to follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.  A memorial has been established to Providence Hospice of Seattle, WA.