Rita C. (Cianciarulo) Grayum

Rita C. Grayum, 94, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2023.

Rita was the daughter of the late Mary and Nicholas Cianciarulo and was born in Philadelphia. She graduated from Hallahan High School and Chestnut Hill College.  

Beloved wife of the late Zach Grayum; Loving Mother and mother-in-law of Brad, Marianne, Cecilia, Paul, Liz, Rick and Christine. Cherished Grandmother to Sean, Zach, Colin, Alex, Becca, Luke and JZ and great grandmother to Callan, Declan, Troy, Leah Rita and Ryan, loving best friend and sister-in-law to Patsy Cianciarulo. She is predeceased by her brother Anthony and her son-in-law, Ed Grafstrom. She is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins and beloved friends. 

Rita was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish where she founded the St. Francis Players over 60 years ago. Rita directed the Players for 40+ years while also conducting the orchestra for many of those years. Rita had a long, fulfilling career as a teacher and loved to dress her entire class in handmade costumes for every Halloween parade. In her retirement, Rita volunteered as a music teacher at St. Francis. She loved to travel, visiting dozens of countries, most especially her many trips to Africa and Galapagos with her grandchildren.  Rita served as President of the Garden Club in Springfield for many years and in recent years enjoyed playing the piano and leading a choir at Plush Mills Senior Living. Rita was known for her extensive collection of giraffes and Madonnas and she ended every phone conversation with God Bless You. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation Friday, August 4, 2023 9:30AM St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Avenue Springfield, PA 19064 and to her Funeral Mass 11:00 in the Church. Int. Holy Cross Cemetery. 

Gifts in honor and memory of Rita may be made to Settlement Music School, in honor of her love of music and teaching. Gifts may be made online at https://settlementmusic.org/give-now/donate-today/and checks can be made payable to Settlement Music School and sent to Settlement Music School Advancement Office, PO Box 63966, Philadephia, PA 19130. Please note on your gift that it is made in memory of Rita Grayum. 

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