Maria P. Artale, 91

April 24, 2024

Born 11/12/1932 the North Bronx, New York, Died 04/24/2024 in Lititz, PA at age 91 yrs.

Maria played both the piano and cello in High School and College. She graduated from Hunter College, NYC with a BA in Music and received an Early Childhood Teaching Certification in 1954. She subsequently became the director of a North New Jersey Nursery School before teaching piano and elementary school remedial reading and math. She was a real-estate agent in the 1980’s.

Predeceased by parents Anthony Pappalardo and Ester Bontempo Pappalardo and brother, Vincent Pappalardo.

Married at Church of the Holy Rosary in Bronx, NY on May 14, 1955 to and predeceased by husband Jack Anthony Artale for sixty-four years.

While living in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Maria was a volunteer for various organizations including Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Pearl S. Buck International, League of Women Voters, Books for the Homebound, Bucks County Democratic Party, and Bucks County Library.

A resident of the Moravian Manor in Lititz, PA since 2008, she and her husband Jack were a blessing to many in the community and volunteered their time and resources in various ways. Maria co-chaired the Art Committee, became Treasurer and Secretary of the Resident’s Association, and served on the Education Committee and Library Committee with a sincere heart to improve the well-being of others.

Her family and friends will best remember her as one who loved classical music and books, many of which she passed on to her children. She delighted in taking her family to the ballet in NYC and well as operas and plays. In her latter years, she loved to play card games, board games and do puzzles with residents of the Moravian Manor, especially with close friend and confidant, Fred Badessa, who stayed by her side during the last year.

Maria is survived by children Theresa Artale Mangano and spouse Alfio (Rick) Mangano, Mary Artale Diercksen and spouse Warren Diercksen, Catherine Artale Mercer and Walter Scott Mercer, Anthony Artale and spouse Beverly Johnson Artale, Paul Artale and spouse Maryann Lizewski Artale and grandchildren, Nathan Mangano, Matthew Mangano and spouse, Nicole Lodge Mangano, Diana Diercksen Russ and spouse Adam Russ, Paul Diercksen and spouse Kristen McCue Diercksen, Alyssa Diercksen Hellyer and spouse Brenden Hellyer, Leanne Diercksen Lepore and spouse Paul Lepore, Angela Mercer McCullom and spouse Lucas McCullom, Brian Mercer and spouse Jennifer Wiley Mercer, Laura Mercer Bain and spouse Brian Bain, Jonathan Artale, Michael Artale, Nicolas Artale, Annalisa Artale Manuel and spouse Nicholas Manuel, Daniel Artale and twenty-five beautiful great-grandchildren.

Memorial service and internment will be with immediate family only at the Doylestown, PA Cemetery.

Celebration of Life will be held at Moravian Manor, 300 W Lemon St, Lititz, PA 17543 at a later date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Moravian Manor Benevolent Fund: moravianmanorcommunities.org/donate