Rita Laverne Malone

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 25, 1928, to Joseph and Dorothy (nee Connolly) Fitzgerald, LaVerne grew up with a dream that shaped her entire life. From early childhood, she longed to become a nurse, though financial limitations initially kept that dream out of reach.

LaVerne married Clement Edgar Malone on December 29, 1950, and together they welcomed five children. After Clement’s passing in 1962, LaVerne courageously moved her young family to Florida to build a new life.

In 1975, at the age of 46, LaVerne fulfilled her lifelong dream by returning to school to become a nurse. She went on to enjoy a meaningful and dedicated 20 year career in nursing before retiring to Port St. Lucie.

In 2018, she moved to Sanford, Florida, where she spent the remainder of her life lovingly caring for two of her seven grandchildren.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her father Joseph Fitzgerald (1933), Mother Dorothy Connolly Fitzgerald (1957), husband Clement E. Malone (1962), sister Virginia Unks (2001), sister Shirley Warner (2016), and son Richard “Doc” Malone (2015).

She leaves behind her devoted children:

• Kathleen (Bill) Ahlert

• Patricia Swiss

• Shawn (Lynn) Malone

• Colleen (Matt) Thomas

She is also survived by her beloved sister Loretta Marlene Cianciulli, daughter in law Sharon Malone, her seven grandchildren—Kellie (Mike) Search, Lisa (Jeri) Melichar, Lauren High, Ryan (Jackie) Malone, Meghan Thomas, Ali (Dalen) Claytor, and Malone Thomas—and nine great grandchildren: Michael Search, Lainey Sipes, Tyler Search, Mason Sipes, Lucas Melichar, Piper High, Rowan Malone, Kellen Malone, and Dallas Claytor, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

LaVerne’s life was defined by resilience, compassion, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, supported, and inspired.

Services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday July 18, 2026, at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel. 5000 Co Rd 46A, Sanford, FL 32771. From there we will gather at the Thomas home.