Rachel T. Tallarida

TALLARIDA

Rachel, (nee Pozzi) age 103, on December 13, 2023, of Newtown Square, PA.

“Rachel was born in South Philadelphia to Italian parents. She and her sister were raised by their grandmother having lost their mother when Rachel was two years old. She was a member of St Rita’s of Cascia parish and attended Hallahan High School. Her early intention was to become a nurse. She worked as a typist at a lawyers office and married in 1945 at the age of 25. She was a devoted and loyal wife to Joseph. She bore four boys and a girl then went to work for twenty years as a “clerk” on the Labor (Maternity) floor of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Center City and was a member of 1199c. She also bore many crosses including not knowing her mother, the loss of her only sister aged 52 and the loss of two sons aged 42 and 48. But she never lost her faith. Rachel enjoyed all cultural arts, visiting casinos (playing slots), cross stitching, crocheting, drawing and painting, and playing games especially Rummikub (and Bingo !!! ) later in life with the many friends she made. She was a “fierce” competitor” and frequent winner which (briefly) frustrated others. She also had a surprising and dry humor (to the end ). She was a true survivor . She broke each hip in her mid 90’s and worked hard at her physical therapy. Apparently, and now ironically, her favorite movie was “Singing in the Rain” which she enjoyed during her last days. Every person who came into contact with Rachel never failed to realize and comment how sweet and how special she was. She was an example to all. When asked about her life she did not have much to say but when asked what she wanted people to know about her, she replied “That I love my children”. Her gentle, calming spirit and radiant smile will be sorely missed and she is no doubt one of God’s angels.”

Predeceased by her husband Joseph Tallarida, and her sons, Bernard, and Joseph, and her sister Lena Pozzi.
Survived by her children, Peter Raymond, David (Denise), and Carmella (Chris) and daughter-in-law, Marie.
Also, her grandchildren, Daran (Kim), Leigh (the late James), Marisa (Chris), Anthony (Heather), Cara (Carlo), the Late Michael (Nicole), David (Valerie), and Petee, the cockatiel. Along with her great-grandchildren, Courtney, Kayleigh, Felicity, Daran Jr., Christopher, Charlie, Reese, Michael, Brynn, David R., and Scarlett, and Max.
Relatives & friends are invited to her Viewing Monday, December 18^th 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM followed by her Funeral Mass 10:30 AM ALL IN CHURCH at St. Anastasia Church 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073.  Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to https://www.dysphagiaoutreach.org/donate

Here is the URL to Rachel’s video retrospective:

christopherarters.com/Rachel/RachelRetrospective.mp4

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