Born in 1930 to Esther and Walter Parker in Moorestown, NJ, she graduated from West Catholic High School for Girls, worked as an operator for Bell Telephone, and eventually retired as a dispatcher for Lower Bucks CableVision. Esther Parker, known as “Nana”, was the role model for the loving matriarch that Rita became.
Rita found joy in so many things including her Catholic faith, her beloved Eagles, Flyers, and Sixers, vacationing in Wildwood, teaching her children and grandchildren to drive, jitterbugging and Mummers strutting, sipping a Sloe Gin Fizz, and screaming from the sidelines at her children’s and grandchildren’s innumerable sporting events.
But above all else, Rita’s greatest joy came from being surrounded by those she loved. She devoted endless hours caring for her grandchildren even on a moment’s notice. Her home was a child’s paradise with unlimited toys, snacks, and cousins. Mom-Mom’s home was the favorite of all of her children’s friends who gathered there throughout their teen and adult years. Everyone loved Rita’s warmth, humor, and hospitality and Rita loved having a full house.
Rita was the cherished mother of Kathy Shegda, Rick Nawalinski (Sheila). Patti Mensch (Steve), Tom Nawalinski (Colleen), Bette Hughes (Tom), Frank Nawalinski (Rosalyn), and Bob Nawalinski (Colleen). Her legacy continues through her 26 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild all of whom lovingly called her "Mom-Mom"- a name that extended beyond the family to her friends and neighbors alike.
Rita was predeceased by her husband, Dick Nawalinski, whom she endearingly called “my only true love”. Rita and Dick were inseparable during their life together. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Esther Schultz (Frank), Peggy DeLuca (Frank), Elizabeth Parker, Mary Romano (Len), Francis Parker (Joan), Robert Parker (Cass), Patricia McGurk, her sister-in- law, Dorothy Hinkle (John), and her grandchild Christopher Mensch.
May the memory of Rita Nawalinski—our beloved Mom-Mom—bring comfort to all who knew her and continue to inspire kindness, laughter, and love in the lives she touched.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 9:00 am until 10:20 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint John the Evangelist Church, 752 Big Oak Road, Morrisville, PA 19067.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Rita’s favorite charity The Christopher Mensch Foundation at www.supportcmf.com
