Rita Anna Campisi Delaney passed away peacefully on Friday, February 17, 2017 at the age of 90. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that she had touched in some way throughout her very generous and memorable life. She was the cherished wife of 46 years to the late John Delaney Jr. Loving mother of Donald Patrick Delaney (Dianne), Linda Ann Delaney, Glenn Michael Delaney (Patti) and Michael John Delaney (Susanne). Daughter of the late Joseph and Hazel Dolin Campisi. Sister of Geraldine “Gerry” Campisi Heier and Joseph “Buddy” Campisi. Proud grandmother of Angela Delaney Cates (Timmy), Andrea Leigh Delaney, Jonah Michael Delaney, Alex Martin and Cara Martin. Great grandmother of Kaitlyn Anna Kinney, Nicholas John Kinney and Matthew Cates. She is also survived and fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Rita was born in New Orleans, LA and was a resident of St. Bernard Parish and Meridian, MS. She was known to many as “Mee Mee,” and her beloved John “Paw Paw.” They enjoyed hosting a Christmas Eve party beginning in 1965 after moving to Meridian, MS. As the hundreds that attended over the years remember, Santa made a grand appearance along a path lit by railroad flares to the delight of youngsters and the older “tots” as well. December 2015 was her 50th celebration of the event, and final hosting. Her New Orleans style of cooking was a hit with both family and Meridianites, and she always had enough for friends that happened to stop by. She was well loved and affectionately known for her good nature and generous heart as a faithful donor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Her faith, love and laughter will be deeply missed by us all.
Relatives and friends attended a visitation that was held at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Tuesday, February 21st from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral mass in Rita’s memory at 1:00 p.m. She was laid to rest in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 in New Orleans. To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com
