Drita Xhabej of Salem, MA died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on March 8, 2024, at the age of 89 due to a brief illness.

She was the beloved wife of Rexhep Xhabej, whom she shared forty years of marriage with before his passing in 1993.  She is survived by her daughters, Suzana and her husband Kujtim Hysesani of Beverly, MA; Besa and her husband Vladimir Treska of Tirana, Albania; Adeljana and her husband Bujar Rovi of Salem, MA; and her son, Raimond and his wife Miranda Xhabej of Toronto, ON, Canada. She was the grandmother of Elvis, Milejdi, Enkelei, Jokli, Enxhi, Edi, Rexhi & Dardi; and a great-grandmother to twelve.

She was adored by her family.  She was the glue that always kept the family together, regardless of their distance apart.  Her grace, inner and outer beauty, soft voice, kindness, and smile touched the heart of everyone who knew her. She was often called "Nena Drita'' by many of those that knew her regardless of their relationship.  She loved spending time with her family, especially her great grandchildren, who always made her feel special.  She also loved to visit her extended family and her beautiful country of Albania.

Drita was an amazing stylist and seamstress with impeccable style.  You would always find her sewing something beautiful for the family, even in her late years.  She was called "golden hands" by many.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, beginning at 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Murphy Funeral Home, located at 85 Federal Street in Salem, MA 01970 followed by burial at Greenlawn Cemetery, 57 Orne St, Salem, MA 01970.  A reception will be held right after at the Hawthorne Hotel at 18 Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970.  All family and friends are respectfully invited.

She will be missed dearly, but we find comfort in knowing that she lived a long life surrounded by so much love.

Zoom link provided here for the duration of the visiting hours at the funeral home.