Civita was born in Coreno Ausonio, Italy and came to the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood of Cleveland in 1954 with her parents Vincenzo and Maria Ruggiero and her brother Luigi Ruggiero (Francesca). She met her beloved husband Bernd at the night school they attended to learn English. They have been together for 64 years, creating a loving family of five daughters, Emma (Ray, deceased) Schulte, Lucia (Timothy) Hanigosky, Maria (Edward, deceased) Marshall, Linda Blaske and Rita (Jerry) Shaw. She was a cherished Grandma and "Nana" to Michael (Amanda) Parsh, Adam (Katie) Schulte, Christie (Lachlan) Schulte, Benjamin Hanigosky, Melissa (Ford) Hanigosky, Misty (Dave) Brelsford, Tiffany Hardenstine, James (Elizabeth) Marshall, Amanda Wallenhorst, Jacob (Megan) Wallenhorst and Eric Shaw. She is survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Civita was very involved with her church, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and her community in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. Family was the center of her being, which she expressed through her love of cooking and hosting family gatherings. Her life revolved around her house, her neighborhood, volunteering, feeding the birds and gardening. Her door was always open and her hospitality was legendary.
The family will receive friends on Sunday February 16, 2025 from 1-5pm at Craciun Berry Funeral Home, 7200 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 6928 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102 on Monday at 10am. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery 14609 Brookpark Rd, Brook Park, OH 44142.
