Rita Mae Cerone Santoro

1942~2018SantoroRita Mae (nee Cerone) Santoro, entered Eternal Life on June 12, 2018. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Emil Santoro. Rita Mae is also survived by her aunts, Sr. Theresa Lepera, MSC, of Reading; Edith Paciello of West Norriton; and Patricia (the late Tom) Lepera, of Baton Rouge, LA, as well as many cousins and friends.Born in Philadelphia on May 23, 1942, she was the only child of the late Peter and Mary (Lepera) Cerone. Rita Mae lived her entire life in Southwest Philadelphia. She was a 1960 graduate of West Catholic High School for Girls. Rita Mae continued her education as a Medical Secretary. She worked as an Administrative Assistant at General Electric in King of Prussia. She also worked for a podiatry group as an Office Manager and assistant to the doctor. She was always good natured and kind to the patients, especially when visiting nursing homes with the doctor.Rita Mae was a devoted and faithful Godmother to Dr. Pamela Lepera, Michael Dempsey and Francis X. Tomlinson. She loved her family and never missed an opportunity to be together. Rita Mae enjoyed knitting, cooking and baking.Rita Mae was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Barnabas Parish where she volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister and brought the Eucharist to the sick in their homes. Rita Mae enjoyed visiting the sick and, in addition to the Eucharist often brought them a meal to enjoy.Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Monday, June 18, 2018 at St. Barnabas Church, 6300 Buist Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19142, from 9:00-9:45am followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.Rita Mae’s family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayer, love and support from family and friends. They also wish to thank the caregivers at Hospice at Fitzgerald Mercy.

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