Madalyn Ann Ravo

Madalyn Ann Ravo, 88, was born Dec. 13, 1919 and went to meet her Lord on March 29, 2008. A dearly loved daughter, sister, cousin, wife, aunt and dear friend to so many, Madalyn’s enthusiasm for life was as inspiring as it was contagious. She had a truly delightful sense of humor and was always ready to have fun. Her laugh will remain one of our most precious memories. Born to mother Margaret Cipoletti and father Dominic Manero, Madalyn was one of four children. She joins her parents, husband and her sister Lena Masters and is survived by her brothers Pasquale Pat Manero and Carmen Manero and their wives Janice and Rosemary who she considered her sisters. Madalyn spent her first 80 years in Rahway, New Jersey where, she joined Girls Scouts in 1933, earned her Beautician’s license at age 14 in 1935, met and married Jerry Ravo in 1941, and enjoyed a lifelong career as a hairdresser and ultimately a salon owner. She also was a proud member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church there. In addition to her much loved family members, Madalyn stayed in touch with many clients and friends when she retired at 79 and moved to Phoenix in 2000 to help take care of cousin Anna. She truly enjoyed living with her beloved niece and nephew, Susan Tiseo-Babakitis and Joseph Tiseo and great nephew and niece Nicholas and Angelina Babakitis. Affectionately known as “Aunt Mad” she kept in close touch with all of her cherished nieces, nephews and their children who include: nieces Margaret Manero Millar, Francine Sciacchitona, the late Linda Manero Manto, and nephews Dominic Manero, Charles Manero, and David Manero, along with great nieces and nephews: Jennifer, Sandy, Betty Jo, Chrissy, Donna, Danny, Emily, Michael, Elizabeth, Matthew, Christopher and William. A member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish, Madalyn became active in the Our Lady of the Assumption Sodality soon after her arrival in Phoenix. Often thought of as the “Energizer Bunny,” she served in every capacity including working the annual Rummage and Craft Sales, ironing altar cloths, crocheting countless lap blankets for the outreach ministry, donating food for the funeral brunches and feeding of the homeless. All this in addition to helping with the housekeeping and cooking for her family. Madalyn made her life journey with a grace, humor, appreciation and acceptance of life that provided a great example for all of us who knew and loved her. We will miss her every day. A Rosary will be said at 12:30 p.m. and Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2312 E. Campbell Ave. 24th St. & Campbell, Phoenix AZ. Donations may be made to Our Lady of the Assumption Sodality at St. Thomas or Serenity House Hospice 2932 North 14th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85014.