Mary Elizabeth Cvitanovich

Most perfect sweetheart, Mary Elizabeth “Mary Beth” Cvitanovich, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, December 30, 2024. 

Mary Beth was born on April 27, 1995, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to Tony and Ellen Cvitanovich. Like all her family members, Mary Beth possessed the quality of tenacity. She had a courageous persistence in her 29 years of life to keep moving forward even though she bravely faced the challenges of Rett Syndrome that she never let define her. 

Mary Beth graduated from Biloxi High School in 2015; her bright smile, joyful laughter, and loving presence brought light to all who knew her. Her spirit inspired many in her life and brought out the best version of everyone she encountered. Mary Beth communicated her love and understanding through her eyes, her touch, and her infectious energy. She was a steadfast reminder of the beauty of perseverance and the power of unconditional love. She was a teacher to so many and never realized it. Mary Beth’s love of music and movies was boundless. More than likely, she probably broke the record of most views of the classic movie Cinderella. She watched it every night of her life. 

Her greatest joys in life were traveling, visiting family and friends, going to the beach, the movies, the Beau Rivage, watching football games with her dad, cruising up and down the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Disney World, holidays, horses, and eating ice cream. Mary Beth’s most special holiday was birthdays. She was most happy when people would sing “Happy Birthday”, and she did not care if it was her birthday or someone else’s. Mary Beth’s family—her parents, Tony and Ellen, her sister Emily—were her greatest supporters and caregivers. They provided her with a life filled with love, care, and devotion always ensuring that Mary Beth’s world was one of safety and comfort. 

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to: Kathy Smith, Dayna Baker, Jane Fayard, Chaka Breland, Lisa Dishman, Cheryl Tasker, Judy Ramos, Juanita Carter, Dr. Andrew Peterson, Dr. Mark McRaney, Dr. Alan Percy, Jane Lane, and her Biloxi Schools family of teachers and staff. All these wonderful souls helped Mary Beth live a life rich in experiences, laughter and unwavering love. Her life was a testament to the power of hope and love. Her legacy is one of resilience, love, and the importance of cherishing every precious moment. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. 

Mary Beth is survived by her loving parents, Tony and Ellen Cvitanovich; and her sister, Emily Cvitanovich. She also leaves behind her maternal grandmother, Luanne Sibley Estess; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Andrew and Mary Cvitanovich; and her maternal grandfather, Rudolph Estess, Jr. She is also preceded by her beloved caregivers and friends, Ms. Karen Patterson and Miss Katie Lynn Pizzetta.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made to International Rett Syndrome Foundation 4500 Cooper Road, Suite 204 Cincinnati, OH 45242 in honor of Mary Beth Cvitanovich. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral in Biloxi. Friends are invited to visit one hour prior. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Beth Cvitanovich.