Obituary
Mary Rita Rafael Faenza was a warm, caring, generous wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She left us too soon on July 6, 2022, after a hard but courageous battle with cancer and chronic pneumonia. We are comforted that she is no longer suffering.
Mary is survived by her husband Edwin “Ed” Longo, daughter Deidre Faenza Hicks and grandchildren Kyle and Fallon Hicks; son and daughter-in-law, Sergio Michael and Joanne Faenza and granddaughter Brianna Faenza; stepdaughter and husband Melissa and Tom Huffman and grandchildren Cheyanne, Natalie and Jacob; and stepson Dean Everett Longo and grandchildren Adrian, Layla and Faith.
Born in the Bronx NY to Nicholas and Rita Rafael on September 19, 1947, she was “Sis” to three older brothers, Bill, Bob and Tom. She also went by MaryRita, Mary, Maryri, Auntie Ri, Mom and probably her favorite – Mimi. She was loved by so many people!
After graduating from New Dorp High School in Staten Island New York, Mary worked for the phone company, got married and had two children Deidre Anne and Sergio Michael. The family moved to Ormond Beach, FL in 1973 and it’s where she’s called home ever since. She loved Ormond but got very vocal about how much she didn’t like all the new development.
She began her career at Ormond Memorial Hospital in the late 1980s and retired from the medical billing department after 26 years. She made many lifelong friends while working and she appreciated their friendship very much. But she made friends wherever she went and has enjoyed the company of so many loyal girlfriends.
Mary met Ed in 1990 and they have been best friends and partners ever since. They traveled the U.S. and many other countries together and have had many wonderful adventures. They finally tied the knot only a few years ago, but they have been wedded to each other since the beginning.
Just a few of her favorites things included books (she could read a book a day), traveling (except when being a passenger in a car), pedicures, retail therapy, Andrea Botticelli, the oldies, Entenmann chocolate donuts, giving gifts, and of course being with her family and friends.
Mom had several charities close to her heart that she gave to religiously. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Boys Town Research Hospital.
She did not want a formal service but we will let family and friends know when the right time comes for a celebration of life so that we can honor all that she meant to us.
We – her husband, kids, bonus kids and all the grand kids are so grateful for the love she showered on us, the support and encouragement, the jokes she told so well, and the memories that will live in our hearts forever. We are so thankful for the love from our extended family and friends during this difficult time.
Kay DeLoach
Kathy Carl and Elaine
Love, Frank, Alyssa, Frankie and James