Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, October 20, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Leonard P. Falk for 58 years. Loving mother of Karen (John) Minnerly. Our dear mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend.
Rita was the third child of six born to Italian immigrants Peter and Maria Edivige Manzelli, and married her high school sweetheart. She is fondly remembered as a wonderful hostess and cook, hosting many celebrations, dinner parties and barbecues with husband Len, welcoming friends, neighbors and relatives into their homes in Dellwood, Florissant (Paddock Forrest), and Chesterfield through the years. An excellent and creative seamstress, Rita made all the window treatments in their last home and enjoyed sewing pillows and decorative items to add to their home decor and give as gifts.
She was active in women’s groups in her parish and community, serving terms as vice president of the Ladies Guild at Transfiguration parish and many leadership roles with the Paddock Forest Ladies Club. At Ascension parish, Rita worked tirelessly on many projects with the Knights of Columbus ladies auxiliary and was treasurer for six years.
Rita worked as a secretary at Union Electric after her graduation from Rosati Kain High School in St. Louis and married Len in 1957. She stopped working after the birth of their daughter and retuned to work part time in the mid 1970’s, settling into an office job at Emerson Electric until she officially retired when moving from the Florissant area.
She and Len then took the time to travel and see sites in the U.S. and Europe, including a trip to Italy to see her parents’ hometowns and meet cousins in the old country.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Society St. Vincent de Paul or the de Greeff Hospice House would be appreciated.
Services: Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel on Monday, October 30th from 4-7 pm. Funeral Mass at 10 am, Tuesday, October 31st at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church, 4900 Ringer Road, St. Louis, MO 63129. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
So sorry to hear about Rita. All of us Manzelli girl will be out of town. Send prayers to all of you. Love Martha,Mary,Barbara and Sharon
I have many fond memories of her from my childhood. She was my Godmother & just a wonderful lady. I will not be able to get away for the services next week but wanted to send my condolences and prayers on behalf of her family. Rest in peace Aunt Rita.
My husband, Ray (Edward Raymond) Kruse was a cousin of Rita’s husband Leonard. I did not see Rita often but my memory is of a warm and gracious woman. The family is in my prayer. Love….