“The one and only Lita, unique, colorful, strong minded, outspoken, witty, beautiful, independent, sharp and elegant, left a big hole in all our hearts on July 16, 2021. Quite the woman. She will never be forgotten.”
Lita was born in Philadelphia in 1928, to Edythe and Leonard Levy. She is predeceased by her brother, Paul. Working as an ad copy writer and art designer to raise her family, Lita moved from Philly to the Washington, D.C., area to work for the federal government, creating the Office of Telecommunications to provide social services using technology. Lita funded projects for social justice, including Cesar Chavez and the Farm Workers Union. Lita worked closely with the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s. She often opened her home to anti-war protestors. She continued throughout her life to support organizations that worked toward social justice.
In 1984, she moved to Lambertville, N.J. With interests in art, painting and photography, it was no surprise her life was enriched by the musicians and artists of Lambertville. Her home provided a musical salon for local musicians and singers, and a showcase for local artists’ work.
Lita loved bringing people together and widening all of our circles of friends. She had an intuitive talent for creating an atmosphere where relationships could develop and flourish wherever she lived and visited.
Lita was proud of her gardens, which she designed. Her gardens were often included in the Garden Tour and provided a calm and peaceful place for gatherings and delicious meals.
She created a nurturing home for her many tenants and very close friends who became an integral part of her life.
She is survived by her adoring husband, William Colligan, and her three children, Marcia Kass (Kathleen Larkin), Jamie Kass (Lyse Blanchard), and Jeffrey Kass (Cedar Wallace), all of whom love her more.
She found the home of her heart in Lambertville.
In lieu of flowers, we are giving the name and website for one of Lita’s favorite organizations:
In the U.S.: www.PlannedParenthood.org
In Canada: www.Arc-cdac.ca
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