Marianita (Pallingayan) Rush

Marianita “Nita" was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. The oldest of four siblings, Nita, also called “Neat” because she was so tidy, grew up on the grounds of Sacred Heart Boarding School in Overbrook, a suburb of Philadelphia, where her father worked as a caretaker for the nuns. During this time, she enjoyed a childhood rooted in faith and love for all, including animals. She even had the privilege of naming an orangutan (Norsuto) at the Philadelphia Zoo! Nita’s zeal for creativity was nurtured by her father, who taught her how to sew at the young age of ten. Soon after passing on this lifelong skill, her father passed away, at which point her family relocated to Philadelphia, Pa. The seed her father planted grew into a beautiful career as a seamstress. She loved to make dresses and clothes for her siblings and extended family. From prom to weekly dinner parties to school uniforms, she made sure everyone looked their best, including herself! Using her expertise, she worked as an alteration specialist for a dry-cleaning company for over 40 years. Her skills were highlighted on the Miss America pageant show, as she worked on some of the contestant’s wardrobes. Not only was Nita a pro with a needle and thread, she also enjoyed renovating bathrooms, kitchens, laying tile, paneling and ceiling work. She happily renovated her own home, as well as those of family members across Georgia and Pennsylvania. Adding to her accomplishments, Nita had a green thumb and was a fabulous cook. She would frequently host dinner parties for the family to enjoy the delicious meals she prepared with love. While Nita touched every person, she encountered with her vibrance, and positivity, she was most loved and will be greatly missed by her children and grandchildren. Her resilience, love, and passion for life are now planted in them. The light that shined through her in life will continue to shine down from above, where she is finally at peace.

Marianita will be deeply missed by her daughters, Elena (Lenny), Maria (Mia) and son Reneau (Dougie). Her grandchildren Malcolm, Marianita (Nia), Robyn, Jamal, Olivia, Alexis and Miles. Her great grandchildren London, Christian, Adam, Mckennah, Maite, Amir, Sebastian, Charlotte, and Rian. Her great-grand cat Dante. Her great-great grandchildren Addison, Olivia, Emilia, and Jameson. Her nieces Vicki, Teresa, Patricia, Donna, Nina, Veta, Vicki, Janiel and nephew Joseph (Joey), She had a host of grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, loved ones, and friends. Marianita was preceded in death by son Malcolm, brother Juan, sisters Elena (Helen), and Teresa (Tina).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 11:30am at St. Denis Cemetery in Havertown, Pa. and a Mass Intention will be offered on Sunday, May 17 at 9:30am at St. Denis Catholic Church in Havertown, Pa. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 16 to be attended by family and close friends. Location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ or Malvern Retreat House https://www.malvernretreat.com/ in memory of Marianita Rush.

Marianita’s departure leaves a void in our hearts, but legacy will forever be cherished.