Clarita R. Landaiche

Clarita Rapagnani Landaiche, 86, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, surrounded by love. Born on December 18, 1939, in Chester, Pennsylvania, Clare’s life was shaped by compassion, faith, and an unwavering devotion to family and friends. She was lovingly raised by her mother, Mary C. Rapagnani, and her stepfather, Peter A. Rapagnani. Her biological father, Edward V. Foley, passed away when Clare was very young.

Clare was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, and her daughter, Jeanne Marie. She is survived by her children, Mary C. Kidd, Nancy H. Deskins (David Deskins), and Paul J. Landaiche, Jr. (Kathleen Flaherty), nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

To know Clare was to experience kindness in its truest form. She found deep purpose in teaching, dedicating more than five decades to middle and high school education, and concluded her distinguished career at Upper Darby High School. Clare was a devoted alumna of Holy Child Academy and Immaculata University. She carried those communities close to her heart throughout her life, and in 2016 Clare was named an Immaculata Distinguished Alumni for her years of service to the University. Clare also delighted in cheering on her Phillies, visiting Bethany Beach with family and dear friends, and challenging her grandchildren to all forms of cards and games. She held a lifelong passion for the theatre arts, working in theatrical makeup and costuming. Clare served for years on the staff of Upper Darby Summer Stage—an endeavor that beautifully united her love of theatre, her dedication to her work, and her deep commitment to young people.

More than anything, Clare loved people—especially her students. She had a genuine gift for conversation and could strike up a warm exchange with anyone she met. She showed up, again and again, for family, friends, neighbors, and anyone in need—whether offering a ride, sharing a meal or a show, or simply being a steady presence for encouragement and companionship. As a Catholic Daughter of the Americas, Clare lived this love through service, giving her time and heart in places marked by pain, poverty, sorrow, and sickness. Guided by these same principles, she also served with the Delaware County Department of Children and Youth Services and on the Democratic Committee of Delaware County.

Though Clarita is no longer with us, her love remains—steady, present, and everlasting—in the lives of all who knew her.

A visitation is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 7, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Glen Mills, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Immaculata University in Clarita’s memory. Donations may be made via https://www.immaculata.edu/advancement/make-a-gift/ or directed to Institutional Advancement, Immaculata University, 1145 W. King Road, Lourdes Hall, Room 201, Immaculata, PA 19345.