Marjorie DeCapite Obituary

Marjorie DeCapite
Beloved Birmingham Restaurant Owner and Community Pillar
Marjorie DeCapite, age 89, a cherished member of the Birmingham, Michigan community and the devoted wife and business partner of the late Armando DeCapite, passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2025, surrounded by her family while spending time at their northern Michigan home on Torch Lake. Marjorie was best known for her instrumental role as co-owner and office manager at Alban's Bottle & Basket, a beloved Birmingham landmark that combined fine dining, a deli/catering service and an exceptional wine and spirits store under one roof.
Her family knew her as a loving mother, grandmother (aka "Nona"), and a faithful and loving spouse. When Armando suffered a stroke in 2003, Marjorie and their daughter, Dana, stepped up to continue running the business with grace and dedication. Marjorie managed Alban's for three more years, ensuring its legacy endured until its closure in 2006, all while ensuring continued care for Armando, who could often be found sitting at one of the tables on the main floor welcoming patrons with a warm smile. Her strength and devotion during that time were a testament to her character and love for both her husband and the community they served.
Having only completed a high school education, she later pursued and obtained a college education at the University of Michigan Dearborn, successfully reaching her goal of earning her bachelor's degree before either of her children.
She was tireless in serving and caring for others in the simplest of ways. When it came to being a mother and wife to Armando, she did all the housework, was an amazing cook, and got up early every morning to make her children breakfast, never complaining. She would sing or hum a tune around the house during her daily work, modeling the guidance of St. Therese of Lisieux: Doing little things with great love. She adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with the family. She would endlessly offer family and guests food or drink (the Italian-side Nonna in her). It often took a strong "no" to get her to back off.
Marjorie will be remembered not only for her role in one of Birmingham's most storied restaurants but also for her warmth, resilience, and the countless lives she touched through her hospitality and generosity. She supported many causes in and around the city, especially the Belle Isle Conservatory, Eastern Market, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Common Ground, PIME Missionaries, and her parish: Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, to name a few. More recently Marjorie and her family have committed funds to the rebuilding and expansion of Sacred Heart Church in Elk Rapids, where the family attends Mass when staying at their home on Torch Lake.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Armando, her parents Dominic Moceri and Anita (Drozd) Kachinko, and her step-sister Sammy (Rosner) Stein. She is survived by her children, Marco (Allison) and Dana (David), her granddaughters Adella, Mia, Liliana, and Lucy, and half-sisters Michelle (Moceri) Grindstaff and Alexa (Kachinko) Haskard.
While the family welcomes donations to any of the causes listed above, they are especially asking to honor Marjorie through donations to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Elk Rapids-preferably the "New Building" fund-the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, or the Heart of Christ Clinic in Detroit.
Visitation is from 3 pm to 8 pm on Monday, August 11th at A.J. Desmond & Sons, 32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, MI, with Rosary at 7:00 PM followed by reflections on Marjorie's life.
The funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, August 12th, at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church in Beverly Hills. Doors open for visitors at 10:00 AM, and Mass starts promptly at 10:30 AM.