Obituary of Rita Shiffer

Rita Shiffer, 90, of Manchester, Maryland, formerly of Wilkes-Barre passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Bridging Life Dove House in Westminster, Maryland. She was born in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of the late Stanley and Helen Biros Stajewski. Rita was a graduate of Coughlin High School class of 1954. Prior to her retirement, she had been employed as a seamstress in the local garment industry, having worked for many years at Ann Will Garment Inc. in Kingston. Rita was a member of St. Nicholas-St. Mary’s Parish in Wilkes-Barre. She was a member and past president of the Amvets Post 59 Ladies Auxiliary in Hanover, where she devoted her time volunteering and supporting local veterans. Rita’s life was one of service to her community and family. Her world revolved around her grandson, watching him grow and supporting his interests. She loved to cook and bake for her family and neighbors. She never missed a movie on the Hallmark Channel and enjoyed watching 911 Lonestar. She also loved the family dogs, Spencer and Bruno, her loyal companions. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John Stajewski and his wife, Anne and Aloysius Stajewski and his wife, Rita; and by her brother-in-law, Robert Croyle. Rita is survived by her daughter, Raelene Perfetto and her husband, John, Manchester, MD and by her grandson, Nikita John Perfetto. She is also survived by her sister, Theresa Croyle, Bethlehem; and by several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Rita’s life will begin with a visitation from 9-10 am on Friday in St. Nicholas-St. Mary’s Parish, 226 S. Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 am. Those attending the visitation and mass are asked to go directly to the Church. Interment will be in Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery, Plains. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amvets Post 59, 578 Fellows Avenue, Hanover Township, PA 18706, attention Tammy Wenger or to Bridging Life Hospice-Dove House, 292 Stoner Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157 Condolences may be sent by visiting Rita’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.