Rita M. Rapa (nee Lamarra) of Haddon Heights, passed away suddenly on September 21, 2018, at the age of 86. Beloved wife of the late Joseph A. Rapa. Devoted mother of Roseann (Karen) Rapa of Swedesboro, Francis (Dawn) Rapa of Woodstown and the late Joseph T. Rapa. Loving grandmother of Trevor, Gavin, Colin and Mackenzie. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Ernie Merlino and her sister-in-law Anna Marie Mecca, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Angela, Roseanna and Doris.
Rita was a Woodrow Wilson HS Class of 1950 graduate. She served as the Haddon Heights PTA and PTG President and night school Chair. Rita was a member of the Haddon Heights Woman's Club since 1997 and was on the Haddon Heights Zoning Board and the Borough Drug Commission. She was a member of the County Republican Committee for 25 years, was a member of the Republican Club in Haddon Heights and a past President of Circolo Italiano of Southern NJ. She loved to cook for her family and loved spending time with family and friends. Rita was a Phillies fan and enjoyed shopping and going to the casinos.
Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing, Wednesday from 6 to 8 PM and Thursday from 8:15 to 9:15 AM at TERRANOVA FUNERAL HOME, 402 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights. Funeral Mass Thursday 10 AM, St. Joachim Church, 601 Browning Rd., Bellmawr. Interment New St. Mary's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to a charity of the donor's choice.