Rita Cioffi

Brethren, we are gathered here in the gentle embrace of our Lord to honor and celebrate the life of Sister Rita Cioffi, a beacon of love and kindness, who was called home to the Heavenly Father on the 16th of August, 2024. Born on the 1st of April, 1940, in the humble town of Hillside, New Jersey, Sister Rita's journey began as a bright light in the lives of all who knew her. She departed this earthly realm in Brick, New Jersey, after a valiant battle with respiratory complications, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and benevolence.
Sister Rita was a loving testament to the virtues of the Holy Scripture, embodying the fruits of the Spirit in every act and every word. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she leaves behind a lineage of love in her three children: John and his wife, Susanna; Anthony and his wife, Dawn; Angela and her husband, Nick; and her ten precious grandchildren, who were the twinkling stars in her sky.
Her life was a living sermon of the values she held dear. Sister Rita found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was often seen partaking in the invigorating movements of aerobics, a testament to her belief in caring for the temple of the Holy Spirit. Her hands were blessed with the gift of cooking, turning simple meals into feasts of fellowship. The laughter and camaraderie that filled her home during family gatherings and game show viewings were as sweet incense rising to the heavens.
Above all, Sister Rita was a devoted disciple of the Word. Her Bible, well-worn and lovingly annotated, was her constant companion. In the quiet hours of the morning, she could be found immersed in its teachings, seeking the wisdom that only comes from above. The church was her second home, a place where she served and learned, always eager to grow in faith and understanding.
She was indeed the epitome of a loving, kind, and friendly soul, touching the hearts of everyone she encountered. Her smile was a balm to the weary, her words a comfort to the downtrodden. In the words of the great apostle Paul, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13). Sister Rita lived this truth every day of her life, and her love continues to echo in the chambers of our hearts.
As we bid farewell to Sister Rita Cioffi, let us not dwell in the shadow of grief but rejoice in the assurance that she is now resting in the eternal peace of our Savior's embrace. Her life was a melody of compassion and grace that will forever resonate with those who were blessed to know her. She has run the good race, she has finished the course, and now she claims the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, has awarded her on this day.
We will miss Sister Rita dearly, but we take solace in the knowledge that we shall see her again on that glorious day of resurrection. Until then, let us carry her memory in our hearts and honor her legacy by living with the same love and kindness she so effortlessly displayed.
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." (Proverbs 31:28). Indeed, Sister Rita Cioffi was a blessing to us all. Amen
Memorial service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, 9 am - 1 pm at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Toms River, NJ.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, 12:30 pm at the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Toms River, NJ.
Inurnment to follow at Ocean County Memorial Park.
In Lieu of flowers donations in Rita's name can be made to St. Jude. Online condolences can be given at www.silvertonmemorial.com.