Maria Ferrante

Maria (Scafidi) Ferrante, 91, of Kenhorst, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2019, in the Reading Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Sant' Agata di Militello, Sicily, Italy, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Falco) Scafidi.

Maria immigrated to the United States in the late 1950's, where she founded the Italian French Pastry Shop at 221 S. 5th Street in Reading, along with her late husband, Vincent Ferrante. After selling the bakery, Maria followed her passion for sewing by working in many well-known area boutiques, including the Marilyn Shop on N. 5th Street in Reading, and The Galleria in West Reading.

But her most important job was being the matriarch of her family. She raised three children and lovingly nurtured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew her affectionately as Nonna. The love Maria had toward her grandchildren was indescribable.

She was a woman who cooked with her heart and her wonderful food is what brought her family together. Her happiest moments were being around the table with everyone enjoying the amazing Italian dishes that she prepared. Her family also found humor knowing that she enjoyed watching WWE on Monday nights. She was a longtime member of Holy Rosary Church in Reading.

Maria served as an incredible example of a strong and independent woman. She was never defined by her age, and was forever beautiful, both in looks and in spirit. Her kindness and love were infectious, and she was often the highlight of every family gathering. Maria was respected and loved by all who knew her.

Maria is survived by her three children with Vincent Ferrante: Peter, husband of Eileen, of Kenhorst; Joseph of Kenhorst; and Teresa, wife of John Beilhart III of Shillington. Maria is the grandmother of Stephanie, wife of Michael Esser Jr.; Tiffany, wife of Lael Schwartz; Lauren, wife of Nathan Millisock; Ryan, Joseph, Erika, Adam, Dane, Kyle and Mia. She is also the great-grandmother of Taylor, Sienna, Eathan, Landon, baby boy Millisock, Giovanni, Tinderly, Orianna, Enzimo, Camren, Conner, Sophie and Hendrix.

Maria was predeceased by her sister, Teresa (Scafidi) Sammataro.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Maria Friday, January 11, at 10:00 am at Holy Rosary Church, 237 Franklin Street, Reading, followed by burial at Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale. Friends may visit with the family Thursday, January 10, from 6-8 pm and Friday, January 11, from 9-9:30 am at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading.

Due to her abundance of love for her children and grandchildren, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104 or online: www.chop.edu. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.