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Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania
Rita Blackwell Obituary
January 7, 2014
Rita Blackwell, 86, originally of Shoemakers, passed away peacefully Tuesday at her daughter's residence in Cumbola.
Born in Shoemakers, July 18, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Mary Naganonis and Joseph Navakas.
She attended Mahanoy Township schools and worked in the local garment industry, as well as agricultural genetic research in Florida.
She loved sewing, quilting and to crochet.
She was the wife of the late Joseph Blackwell.
Rita was preceded in death by a former husband, Peter Mendinsky; a daughter, Christine Medina; a brother, Edward Navakas; and sisters, Ann Kiss, Florence Russo, Phyllis Navakas and Violet Peel and infant sisters, Monica and Jessica.
Rita is survived by three daughters, Phyllis Harper, Cumbola, Ester Mahmod, Mahanoy City, and Cyria Hart, Ellen Gowan; two sons, Thomas Blackwell, Mahanoy City, and Jeffrey Blackwell, Shoemakers; eight grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
A service will be held at 7:30 p.m. today at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Mahanoy City, with Pastor Christopher Wollyung officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Mahanoy City, is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Blackwell
January 17, 2014
Phyllis and Rich,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Jane Featro
Florence Ann, Mikhel and Siena
January 13, 2014
Phyl, Ester, Cyria, Tom, Jeff and family, So saddened and sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful mom. I will cherish the memories of her always. With heartfelt condolences and much love...
Deb McCormick
January 10, 2014
Phyllis, Was sorry to hear about your mom's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. Peace and comfort be with you.
Robert Bann
January 9, 2014
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
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BOBBY BANN
January 9, 2014
VERT SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER
January 9, 2014
Dear Phyllis, Ester, Cyria, Thomas and Jeffrey,
We want to express our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom - Aunt Rita to me. I will always have fond memories of her from my childhood days in Shoemakers. May she be in God's hands and rest in eternal peace. Cousin Joe and Barbara Gates
Sam and diane Bann
January 9, 2014
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Carolyn Yackera
January 9, 2014
Dear Phyllis, my deepest sympathy to you and Rich, and your entire family on your Mom's passing. Prayers for strength at this difficult time. Love, Carolyn
Janice Seitzinger
January 9, 2014
Phyllis, So sorry to hear about your mother. May she now rest in peace. God Bless you and your family!
Barb Peel
January 8, 2014
May you rest in peace.with all our love to my tatie Rita. .barbi and Kendall. ..
Stan & Donna Jankaitis
January 8, 2014
Our sympathy and prayers are with you.
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Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. - Mahanoy City300 West Center Street, Mahanoy City, PA 17948
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