Rita DeFiore Tigani was born on December 8, 1921 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 24, 2024. She was predeceased by her devoted husband Joseph P. Tigani, her brothers, Joseph DeFiore and Robert DeFiore and her sister, Linda Trusk.
She was the second of four children of Clara (Perella) and Attilio DeFiore and is survived by her daughter Joan Beard and husband Samuel, two sons Paul Tigani and wife Mary, Jeffrey Tigani and wife Nina, and brother-in-law James Trusk. Rita was very proud of her four grandchildren Morgan Beard, Joseph Tigani, Jamie Tigani and Jack Tigani, with whom she was able to spend a great deal of time.
She was a graduate of Wilmington High School and later attended The Philadelphia College of Pharmacology where she received her degree.
Shortly thereafter she opened her own Pharmacy in Wilmington where she worked for a number of years until she married and then turned her attention to becoming a stay at home mother to her three children. Her Catholic faith was important throughout her life, and she regularly attended St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church.
Rita was an avid golfer at Wilmington Country Club and a duplicate bridge Life Master. She taught ceramics and was an accomplished seamstress. She especially enjoyed games of trivia that challenged her mind. She was known for her sense of style and always looked younger than her years.
Even later in life she had a great ability to “keep up with the times” and was always well versed in current affairs. Her independent spirit will be greatly missed by all who enjoyed being in her company.
Our family wishes to express our gratitude to the nurses and staff at Stonegates Health Center for the outstanding and loving care Rita has received for the past four years.
Mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. Interment will be private.
For online condolences please visit Chandlerfuneralhome.com.
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