Mrs. Carmela Foti

Foti Carmela R. Foti, 85 Carmela Rita Foti (nee Monastra), of Morton, Ridley Twp., in Delaware County, PA, went home to the Lord on Sunday, August 11. This Beloved Daughter of God was born in Philadelphia, PA, the middle child, between older brother John and younger brother Joe (both now deceased), of Salvatore and Maria Rosa (nee Origlio) Monastra. Although she spoke no English when she started first grade in the local public school, her love of reading enabled her to skip two grades and graduate from South Philadelphia High School at the age of 16. A part-time job as a movie theater usher started her on a life-long love of movies in every genre imaginable. Before taking a full-time job with Bell Telephone at the age of 18, she learned the fine arts of sewing and tailoring from her mother, who made men's suits by hand. Her seamstress skills evolved into knitting and crocheting beautiful tablecloths and afghans, and creating counted cross-stitch works of art. A magnificent cross-stitch of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a labor of love that took her many months to complete, graces the OLPH Parish Church in Morton, where she was a devoted parishioner for more than 60 years. Whether it was making beautiful clothes for herself and her daughter Stephanie, or delicious home-cooked meals, Carmela was all about family. The trips she and her husband Jim (now deceased) shared with their own family and parish family members were always the most fun of all. They both loved to dance at a time when dancing at local venues was a weekly fact of life, and enjoyed it even more when going with other family couples. She loved being in the middle of the action whenever the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were around, and delighted in all of their accomplishments. She was an active and involved member of the OLPH 50 and Over Club for many years, and served distinguished two-year terms both as Activities Chair and President of the Club. Carmela and Jim will celebrate their 65th Wedding Anniversary together in heaven this October. Survivors: Carmela was a mother like no other to Stephanie Greco (Gerald), Kenneth (Victoria), and Robert (Gail). She reveled in her eight grandchildren, Michael, Jason, Regina, Alexander, Jordan, Amanda, Heather, and Benjamin, and two great-granddaughters, Mikayla and Evelyn. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law, Anita Monastra, who was much more of a "sister" than an "in-law", and loving nieces and nephews. Service/Funeral Mass: Carmela's Life Celebration will be held on Friday, August 16, starting at 9:30am, immediately followed by her Funeral Mass at 11am, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Church, 2130 Franklin Avenue, Morton, PA 19070. Interment: Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield. In lieu of flowers: memorial donations to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. Arrangements: Knoetgen Funeral Home, 610-544-0600. To share your fondest memories of Carmela , please visit www.lifecelebration.com 1-800-GIVNISH