Barbara May (Higdon) Vitak

Barbara May Vitak, 93, wife of the late Joseph Norman Vitak, passed away peacefully at her home in Onancock, VA on Monday, July 7, 2025. One of eight children, Barbara was born September 15, 1931, in Baltimore, MD, to the late Lawrence and Ernestine Higdon.

Raised in a Christian home, Barbara’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She married the love of her life in 1950 and together they raised their children in Baltimore. Following Joseph’s retirement, the couple relocated to Frostburg, MD to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Barb never missed a home game or school function and was always first to volunteer her time and was affectionately known by all as “Granny.” 

An active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Frostburg, Barbara and Joseph later moved to Virginia’s Eastern Shore, where she became a devoted parishioner at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Onley. She was also a member of the Woman’s Club of Accomack County and a longtime volunteer at the former Hermitage on the Eastern Shore.

Barb could never resist BINGO night, enjoyed a little gambling from time to time, and her passion for the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles was often heard throughout the neighborhood on game days. She took great pride in her home and garden and spent many hours working in her garden and always made sure her lawn was perfectly manicured. A genuine altruist, Barbara gave her whole heart to every role she held—devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, loyal friend, and compassionate humanitarian.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her sons, Joseph Vitak and his wife, Elizabeth of Onancock and John Vitak and his wife, Janet, of Cape Carteret, NC; grandchildren, Matthew Vitak (Rebecca), Jonathan Vitak (Samantha), Jacob Vitak (Shannon), Juli MacKenna (Richard) and Michael Vitak (Jane); great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Olivia, Rowan, Jack, Henry, and one on the way; and several niece and nephews and their families. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Lawrence, David, and Harry Higdon, Betty Jean Bokman, Dottie Gaskill, Margie Jones, and William “Billy” Higdon.

The Vitak family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Barbara’s caregivers and the team at Riverside Shore Hospice, whose care and compassion will be forever remembered and appreciated.

Barbara’s family will gather for a private Funeral Mass at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (https://stjude.org/donate) or St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, P.O. Box 860, Onley, VA 23418.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara May (Higdon) Vitak, please visit our floral store.