Annarita Pavia

(nee Cerquitella) On March 14, 2024, of Glassboro.  Age 90.  Beloved wife of the late Vincent Pavia.  Devoted mother of Linda Carbone (Ty Chilcote), Michael Pavia (Jo), and the late Cynthia Stanish (Peter).  Loving grandmother of Anthony, Christina (Christian), Kristin (John), Michael, Vincent (Bonnie), Ashley (Remington), and Stephen (Shannon).  Proud great-grandmother of Dani, Maeve, Vincent, Brody, and Olivia.

Annarita “Chickie” Pavia was born on March 6, 1934, in Philadelphia to Domenico and Rose (Duca) Cerquitella.  Annie or Chickie as her friends called her met the love of her life, Vincent Pavia at age 14.  They married on February 7, 1953, and were together, inseparable until the time of his death.  They had a very special relationship that was admired by many.  They were true soulmates for over 72 years!  She was his Queen.

Chickie was very proud of the life she created for her family. She provided a nurturing and well-balanced daily life consisting of love, fun, food and laughter with lots of family and friends around.  Her Home and Kitchen were always open where no invitation was ever needed.  She was a fabulous cook who could whip up full course meals in minutes.  She was perhaps the unspoken pioneer of fast food and not as we think of it today.

Chickie enjoyed being a Mom and her children used to love when from her bed in the morning she would call a “mental health” day for no reason and they got to stay Home from school!  She loved interior and clothing design.  She hand drew her wedding dress on a piece of paper, chose the material, a French pointed lace and had it custom made by one of her father’s tailors.  She had many of her father’s talents in design and was self-taught, making custom curtains for many family members without charge.

As her family grew up, she remained steadfast in the ideals of her family unit.  She became known as the “root” of her family.  Always full of energy, she simply loved life!  When her children married, and she had grandchildren she took that blessing to a whole other level. She thoroughly enjoyed being a “grand”, mom- mom all over again.  Her husband, children and family were always her first priority!  She was selfless.

In 1981 she convinced Vince to buy a shore house in North Wildwood.  There she would enjoy 24 years of new friendships and sun/fun filled days on the beach with her grandchildren.  By age 5 all the grands knew how to play poker and other card games betting with their favorite candy, M n M peanuts.  Her purpose was simply to make you feel unconditionally loved!

In her later years she finally went to “work”.  She loved playing Joker/Poker at the Casino and was quite good at it.  It was a joke in our family!  She also enjoyed traveling and travel they did. Europe, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and a celebratory retirement trip across the United States from the east to west coasts.

Annie was the epitome of a fighter.  Diagnosed with stage four lung cancer at 81 years old, she was given only about a year and a half to live.  God and she gave us 9 more years!  That will, that fight was a true testament to her personality.   She was able to enjoy seeing most of her grandchildren marry and have children of their own. The great grandchildren lovingly referred to her as Chick!

Our Mom and Chickie will be eternally loved by her husband Vincent, daughter Cindy Stanish and husband Peter (all predeceased).  She is survived by her daughter, Linda Carbone (Ty Chilcote), son, Michael Pavia (Jo), grandchildren, Anthony Carbone, Christina Trautz (Christian), Kristin Merrigan (John), Michael Chilcote, Ashley Roberts (Remington), Vincent Pavia (Bonnie), Stephen Pavia (Shannon) and five great grandchildren, Dani, Vincent, Maeve, Brody and Olivia.

Family and friends are invited to attend her viewing Wednesday 9:45 – 11:15 am, at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Washington Twp.  Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 pm at St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Annarita’ memory may be made to the American Lung Association, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”