Rita A. Baldini

Rita Baldini, 94 years of age and a proud resident of the Lafayette Redeemer Nursing Home in Fox Chase, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 8th.

Having lived a full life dedicated to her family, Rita was comforted to know how well she was loved. As a close-knit family, her family makes this announcement with sadness but also with gratitude for all the wonderful years spent together.

In 1928, Rita Hardy was born to William and Mary Hardy in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood. She was the last surviving member of her five siblings.

Rita married her true love, Edward A. Baldini, in 1946 and they enjoyed 44 years of happy marriage until 1990 when Edward passed away. Rita was also predeceased by her oldest son, Edward J. (Dona) a proud U.S. Army Veteran, and an amazing grandson, Michael C. Mateka, Jr.

Together, she and Edward have three surviving children, Annemarie Mateka (the late Michael) Therese Doyle and Michael G. (Jeanette).

Rita Baldini’s greatest joy came in the form of her children, 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She

was immensely proud of all their accomplishments. Their joy was her joy !

For many years, Rita was a dining room waitress at The Blue Line Club at The Philadelphia Spectrum and in the Grand Slam Room at Veterans Stadium.

In addition, she worked at some of Philadelphia’s top restaurants in the 1970s …like The Russian Inn and The Pub Tiki in Center City.

A woman of deep faith, she was a member of Our Lady of Ransom Church for close to a half century. Rita was also a frequent visitor to the St. John Neumann Shrine in Philadelphia and devout to Saint Padre Pio and The Blessed Mother.

Rita may have slowed down over the years, but she kept her zest for life right up to her passing. She was fierce, funny, and loved meeting new people. A great listener who would help anyone.

Those wishing to pay respects can visit this Friday October 13th at the Resurrection of Our Lord Church, 2000 Shelmire Avenue Philadelphia, PA viewing starting at 10am. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11am.