Obituary of Hazel R. DiDonato

Hazel DiDonato(nee Panichi), 90 of Folcroft, Pa, passed away on May 14, 2015, at Little Flower Manor surrounded by her loving children John(Marcia) DiDonato, Karen(Robert) McGuigon, Lisa Plunkett, Louis DiDonato and Renee(William) Viscusi. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Born and raised in a section of West Philadelphia known as 49th Street, Hazel was a 1942 graduate of Overbrook High School. After graduating, she contributed to the country's war effort by working at the Frankford Arsenal where she participated in manufacturing munitions. Following the war, she worked as a cashier for Best Markets and later the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. (A&P). Hazel married another 49th Street resident, Louis DiDonato in 1948 and they promptly purchased a row home in the neighborhood. By 1958, Hazel was the proud and devoted mother of four children. In 1960, Hazel and her husband decided to move the family to Delmar Village in Folcroft, Pa. Hazel would live in that house for the next 50+ years. In 1966, at age 42, she bore her last child. Three years later her husband died suddenly at the age of 44 leaving her to raise five young children. Displaying incredible strength and courage, Hazel returned to her job as a cashier at the supermarket so she could support her family. She found a way to work full-time and still remain devoted to her children. Hazel was able to put 4 children through college and lived to see them become successful in their professional careers. Hazel enjoyed spending time with her family who were always at the center of her life. She also enjoyed painting and trips to the casino with family and friends. Hazel was an active member of St. George's Church for more than half a century. Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Sunday evening from 7-9 pm at McCausland Garrity Marchesani Funeral Home, 343 S. Chester Pike, Glenolden, Pa. A second viewing will be held at the funeral home from 8:30 am to 10 am on Monday morning. A funeral Mass at St. George Church in Glenolden, Pa. will begin at 10:30 am with interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, Pa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Hazel's name to Little Flower Manor, 1201 Springfield Rd., Darby, Pa. 19023 On line condolences can be made to www.mcgfh.com