Rita B. Lavell

Rita passed peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at the age of 92, of Haddon Twp., NJ.

She was the wife of 57 years to the late William T. Lavell. Rita had three sons, Joseph Lavell, William (Patti) and John (Christina). She watched her six grandchildren grow into adulthood; Elizabeth Giebler (Andrew), Rebecca Clifford (James), Dr. Emily Lavell (Samuel Heck), Victoria Picha (Donald), and Patrick and Catherine Lavell. She also is survived by her eight great-grandchildren; Matthew, Kimberly, James, Molly, William, Joseph, Evelyn and Charles. Rita had many cousins, nieces and nephews who were a big part of her life and she loved dearly.

Rita was born to Attilio and Rose Benedetti on March 4, 1931 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a young girl, Rita spent summers in Beach Haven with her grandmother where she learned to knit and crochet. She loved telling stories about helping to sort fish caught by the local commercial fisherman when she was young. Rita graduated from South Philadelphia Girl’s High School in 1948 and went to work for the Food and Drug Administration as an inspector. She was able to help support her family doing various jobs while raising her family as a full time homemaker. Rita retired from the Bradford-White Corporation after working there for over 25 years once her children had grown. For many years, Rita was an active parishioner at Sacred Heart Church, and volunteered with the Heart of Camden. She enjoyed camping with her husband and sons throughout the East Coast and Canada.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation, Monday, Aug. 7th from 9:30 – 10:45 AM at Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, St. Vincent Pallotti Church, 901 Hopkins Rd., Haddon Twp., NJ, funeral Mass will follow at 11 AM.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Rita’s memory may be made to the Special Olympics New Jersey, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.

Arrangements by JACKSON FUNERAL HOME, 308 Haddon Ave., Haddon Twp., NJ.