Rita Marie Ruggeri of Holland died gracefully on January 10, 2013 at St Mary Medical Center, Langhorne. She was 95.

Born in Philadelphia she was the beloved wife of 54 years to the late Joseph L. Ruggeri and daughter of the late Frank and Amelia Matticola.

Rita was the youngest of 15 children and in the true sense of the word she was the Matriarch of the extended family. Her caring and nurturing ways, her gentle manor and true love of life were admired by many, and she always strove to make things perfect for her family. She and her family were raised in West Philadelphia and then resided in Northeast Philadelphia. Rita was a faithful communicant of St. Albert the Great Parish from 1962 until 2008 when she moved to Holland and joined St. Bede the Venerable Parish. Rita was a resident of Twining Village in Holland since 2008.

Rita enjoyed cooking, playing cards and singing, but what she was most admired for was her graciousness. Rita loved people and they loved her back; she was a very good friend to many and they will miss her dearly.

Rita is survived by her devoted daughter and son; JoAnn M. Stanger and her husband James and Bruce A. Ruggeri and his wife Patricia A. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewings Monday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the Chapel of St. Bede the Venerable Church 1071 Holland Rd. Holland and on Tuesday morning from 9:30 am until her Funeral Mass 10:30am in the Church.

Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the Twining Village Benevolent Assoc. 280 Middle Holland Rd. Holland, Pa 18966 or to Catholic Charities 222 N. 17th St. Phila PA 19103.