Marie Lucy Cantafio

Marie Lucy (Damato) Cantafio passed away at her home in Wayne, Pa. on Thursday evening February 9th surrounded by her daughter, Cora Davidson, son, Ralph A. Cantafio and nieces and nephew Addie Welch, Christopher Pavsek and Denise Mann.

Hers was a beautiful death. Marie passed away at age 97 years having “lapped the proverbial field”. She was predeceased by simply too many to list; of note, by her beloved husband of more than 50 years, Dr. Ralph Cantafio, and daughter, Gemma Cantafio. Marie was a woman of many talents – however, her greatest gift was that of friendship. Many a family member, neighbor, and assortment of other friends appreciated Mom’s ability to listen and dispense thoughtful advice. If she had a “superpower” – it was her ability to embrace, absorb and counsel with infinite patience and love.

Mom was a graduate of the old South Philadelphia High School for Girls and Temple University. She was a pioneer of sorts as she was the Chief of the Pharmacy Department at Philadelphia General Hospital when few women were pharmacists – let alone Department Chiefs. She met and married Dr. Ralph Cantafio – participating in perhaps one of the more adorable love stories. They were crazy in love their whole time together. While a traditional stay at home mom, she was socially busy – she was a founding member of Club Altura in La Jolla, California – the name of which I am not sure she or her friends entirely grasped.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions (no matter how small or large) to St. Johns Presbyterian in Devon, Pa.