Rita Morini Shaffer (nee DeTullio), age 88 of Hudson, OH and previously Avondale, AZ passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Ellwood City, PA on September 25, 1937 to the late Arnold DeTullio and Catherine (nee Ferrese) Matthews. She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul “Pete” Shaffer and former husband Mario Morini; a sister Jean (Russ) Fondelier, a daughter Marilyn Morini (at age 2), and a grandson Jason Kardish.
Rita is survived by four loving children, Linda (Marty) Kardish of Hudson, Anthony (Chris) Morini of Ellwood City, PA, Michael (Donna) Morini of Strongsville and Paula (Chris) Kowalczyk of Collegeville, PA; seven cherished grandchildren, Kyle (Ashley) Kardish, Austin (Kaylee) Kardish, Isabella (Austin) Morini Williams, Antonio Morini, Olivia, Sophia and Alex Kowalczyk; four dear great-grandchildren, Mason, Maddie Jay, Kolton and Kolbie Jay Kardish and two siblings, Ralph (Dee) DeTullio and Patty (John) Pace.
Her greatest role was that of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She raised four children while at the same time being a single parent and returning to college. She received her associate degree as a registered nurse from Beaver County Community College in 1973. She then went on to work at the Ellwood City Hospital. Caring for others was of the utmost importance to her. She was a wonderful cook and loved to bake. She would leave freezers full of food for her children and enjoyed making dinners for family and friends. We will always save a seat for you at the table.
She faced all the challenges in her life with a loving heart and a strong will. Her lasting legacy is love. Everyone she met in her life journey quickly knew this about her.
Everyone is asked to gather directly at church for Mass of Christian Burial which will begin at 10 AM Saturday, November 8, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 340 North Main Street, Hudson, OH 44236. Inurnment will follow at Markillie/St. Mary Cemetery in Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Rita’s memory to St. Bernard’s Hunger Ministry in care of St. Mary Catholic Church (check payable to St. Vincent de Paul) or the Akron Children’s Museum (www.akronkids.org)
Arrangements by Busch-Romito Funeral Home of Hudson. www.buschcares.com
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