Marie E Bittar

Marie E. Bittar, 79, of Oldsmar, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2019. Marie "Maro" was born in the mountains above Beirut, Lebanon on August 15, 1939 to Antoine Shwairi and Sarah Atteah, where charity toward the poor and a love for all God's creatures were deeply instilled in her. Marie was happily married to Elias "Lucien" Bittar for 53 years in a life of creative love and adventure until the time of his passing in 2011. She is survived by 5 children and their partners: Doris (Jim), Roy (Maureen, Karen), Serge (Karen, Elisa), Anthony (Cindy), and John (Kim); and 10 grandchildren: Christopher, Megan, Michael, Corey, Joseph, Nicholas, Gabriel, Anthony, Emma, and Lauren.

Marie was a writer and artist. Her creative writing and research explored biblical themes, the roles of women, and stories about Lebanon. Her landscape paintings depicted Lebanon, Connecticut and Florida. Marie was the eldest of twelve children and a natural leader. She was a lively and vivacious woman throughout her life, and a mother who conveyed to her children love and a healthy sense of skepticism. Marie's children, grandchildren, extended family and friends in the United States, Europe and Lebanon will sorely miss her humor, wisdom, and courage.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Jude's.

Visitation will be at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church on March 4, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., with mass to follow at 1:30 p.m.

Burial will be at Sylvan Abbey Cemetery, Clearwater, FL at 3 p.m.

Services by her family in Dahr Al Sawan, Lebanon honored Marie Bittar on Sunday, March 3, 2019.

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