Mafalda Marie Cherico, age 90, of New Bethlehem, passed away Sunday evening, August 28, 2016 at the Clarview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sligo.

     Born January 27, 1926 in Sligo, she was a daughter of the late Unito and Ada Santini.  She was a graduate of the Clarion High School.

    She married Leo J. Cherico on July 17, 1947 in the Immaculate Conception Church of Clarion.  Leo preceded her in death on July 21, 2016.

     Mafalda worked for Fisher Scientific in Pittsburgh, the St. Charles Brick Plant and retired from First Seneca Bank after 25 years of service.

    She was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in New Bethlehem, the church Rosary Altar Society and the New Bethlehem Civic Club.

    Mafalda was raised on a farm on Pennsy Road and spent a wonderful childhood growing up there.  One of her favorite past times was sharing her memories of Pennsy with her family and friends

    She was an avid card player and belonged to several card clubs. 

    Mafalda had several hobbies, including embroidery and crocheting and was admired for her decorating flair.  Her favorite Christmas tree was decorated with her handmade seashell ornaments from the Jersey Shore. 

    All holidays were special to her and she cooked fabulous Italian specialties, homemade ravioli and gnocchi.  She also enjoyed visiting Pittsburgh and her two sisters, Yolanda and Miranda and was so excited when Yolanda gave birth to a healthy little girl, Diane, after her struggles to have a family. 

    Mafalda gained the nickname, “Aunt Faldy”, from her nephew, Marshall, since her name was a bit of a tongue twister.

    Surviving are her children:  Nicoletta McAninch and her husband, Gary, of New Bethlehem and Leonard Cherico and his wife, Nancy, of Cooksburg.

    Also surviving are three grandchildren:  Maria Gray and her husband, Stephen, of Pearland, Texas; Regina Nicholson and her husband, Mark, of Piscataway, New Jersey and Nicholas Cherico of St. Marys and three great grandchildren:  Jenna and William Gray and Edward Nicholson.

     In addition to her parents and husband, Mafalda was preceded in death by her two sisters, Yolanda and Miranda and a brother, Elvio.

     Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at the Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service Chapel, 233 Penn Street, New Bethlehem.

    A vigil service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel.

    Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2016 in the St. Charles Catholic Church, 201 Washington Street, New Bethlehem.  Father Samuel Bungo will serve as celebrant.

    Interment will follow in the St. Charles Catholic Cemetery in New Bethlehem.

     Memorial contributions may be given in the name of Mafalda Marie Cherico to the St. Charles Catholic Church, 201 Washington Street, New Bethlehem, PA  16242

    Online condolences may be sent to Mafalda’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

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