Margherita "Rita" Speranza

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Margherita (Rita) Louise Speranza, 83, of Sun Lakes, AZ. Rita passed peacefully on the morning of September 10th at her summer home in Flagstaff, AZ.

Born on October 23rd, 1940, in Morristown, NJ, Rita was the beloved daughter of George Vincent Marinaro and Mary Rose Bitondo. She attended Morristown High School and graduated with a Nursing degree from St. Mary’s in Orange, NJ.

Rita devoted over 45 years to her career as an Emergency Room nurse, serving in New York City, Rockland County, NY, and Scottsdale, AZ. Her dedication to nursing, mentoring, and patient care was not just her profession but her passion and purpose.

On October 8, 1966, Rita married Michael Joseph Speranza, and together they raised their two daughters in Scottsdale, AZ. Rita’s life was richly filled with activities she loved; when she wasn't with her family, she was playing tennis, reading books, traveling to her vacation home in Mexico, or enjoying bridge games with friends in Tempe and Sun Lakes, AZ.

Rita was also a proud and devoted grandmother. The joy her grandchildren brought her was immeasurable, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Her love for them was boundless, and their presence in her life was a source of great happiness and pride.

Rita's generosity and welcoming spirit were hallmarks of her life. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel at home, embracing new friends and old with warmth and kindness. Her home was always open, and her selflessness and caring nature touched many lives.

Rita is survived by her husband, Michael Speranza, of Sun Lakes, AZ; daughters Michele (Brian) Marsella of Chicago, IL, and Carole Speranza of Chandler, AZ; step-sons Michael (Cathy) Speranza of New Rochelle, NY, and Mark (Heidi) Speranza of Scarsdale, NY; step-daughter Donna (Robert) Kolb of Port St Lucie, FL; sisters Elisa (Gene) McCarthy of Lake Wylie, NC, and Patricia Mercurio of Morris Plains, NJ; grandchildren Jacob Brown, Tucker Brown, Mia Marsella, Corey Scheurich, Jamie McDermott, Jillian Speranza, Jordon Speranza, Nicholas Kolb, Alexandra Kolb and Justine Kolb and many cherished nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends who became family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Arizona Humane Society at https://www.azhumane.org/memorial-tribute-gifts/

Private services will be held at a later date in Chandler, AZ.