Mary Elizabeth Marchitelli, 23, of Kill Devil Hills, NC, took her last breath at 1:44 pm on September 30, 2023. She was at home with her family by her side when her body could no longer endure the effects of pancreatic cancer, and she took her rest.
Mary was born March 29, 2000, at Chesapeake General in VA, but lived her short life on the Outer Banks of NC. She had an exuberance for life and an abundance of love for people, animals, music, dancing, nature, being immersed in water, and community that all could see when she smiled. She was singing before talking and shew… did she have a voice. She knew no stranger and saw the good in everyone. She also gave to others unconditionally. While her enormous heart loved so much, her biggest loves were horses and softball; where her fiercely competitive side could shine. This friend to all, defender of the meek and unheard, and champion of the broken, had a contagious smile and laugh that nobody was immune to.
She graduated from Manteo High School, class of 2018 and briefly attended Averett University in Danville, VA, for their Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program as well as played softball for the Cougars which she had hoped to return to someday after taking a medical withdrawal.
She met and profoundly touched many from near and far and will be impossible to forget.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Henry Marchitelli of Newport News, VA; grandmother, Hilda Gourley (David) of Nags Head, NC; aunt Linda Steiner of Newport News, VA; maternal grandmother, Mary Talley of Kitty Hawk, NC; and uncle Paul Talley of Kill Devil Hills, NC.
Mary is survived by both parents, Bill and Debbie Marchitelli of Kill Devil Hills, NC; aunts and uncles, Sandie Marchitelli of Newport News, VA, Wayne Steiner of Newport News, VA, Michael Talley (Celeste Wagner) of Sperryville, VA, and Ginny Rodgers (John) of Whitesburg, GA. Shes is also survived by her cousins, Bayli Talley of Spokane, WA, Conlan Talley Ambrose of Fort Hood, TX, Luke, Boone, and Tallulah Rodgers of Whitesburg GA, Nikki Boldy (Jim) of Newport News, VA, and Blake Steiner of Denver, CO; her most loved companions, Phoenix Rising and Lil Homie; godparents, Troy Scott (Heather) of Rockport, ME and Mary Huff of Chapel Hill, NC as well as countless loving extended and chosen family and friends. Mary is also survived by one grandparent, Mike Talley Sr. (Gloria) of Lexington, SC.
A service/celebration of life details will be announced at a later date. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.
