Marie R. Cristofalo

On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, Marie R. Cristofalo, passed away peacefully at age 99, in Newtown Square, PA. She was a longtime resident of Havertown, PA.

Marie was born on June 30, 1923 in Philadelphia, PA to Charles and Adeline (Molluro) Cristofalo.  She grew up in South Philadelphia in St. Monica’s Parish and graduated from West Catholic High School in 1941.  She enjoyed a decades long career as an executive secretary at Smith, Kline, & French before retiring in the early 1980s.  Marie lovingly cared for her father and mother until their deaths in 1965 and 1982, respectively.

Marie enjoyed painting, traveling, the beach at Cape May, family vacations, and entertaining.  She hosted countless Sunday family dinners, large gatherings of cousins for her mother’s birthday, and New Year’s Day ravioli dinners for her extended family every year.  She had impeccable style and was always dressed to the nines.  She pursued excellence and perfection in everything she did and met challenges with characteristic cheer, stoicism, and hard work.  Marie was always willing to give of herself and sacrifice for others.  She spent many hours in service to Sacred Heart Parish, helping vulnerable parish members, and volunteering at the church and school.  Above all, Marie was devoted to her family.  She was a loving and endlessly generous daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend who will be tremendously missed. 

Marie was preceded in death by her father, Charles, her mother, Adeline, her brother, Vincent, and her nephew, Edward.  She is survived by her loving sister, Rosalie Foster, and sister-in-law, Peggy Cristofalo; adoring nieces, Beth Ticknor (Rob), Meg Cristofalo, Jean Cristofalo Looney, Elizabeth Cristofalo, Carolyn Cristofalo Muttreja (Ranu), Catherine Cristofalo Harkins (Thomas), and Helen Cristofalo Hillelson (Craig); great niece, Juliana Looney; great nephews, Bobby (Tracey), Marc (Katie), and Stephen (Kathryn) Ticknor, Nicholas and Jack Looney, Justin and Alex Muttreja, and James Hillelson; eight great, great nieces and nephews, and many cousins.