Onnie Lafferty

Onorina "Onnie" Agatha Lafferty (nee LaRocca), 93, passed away peacefully at her home in Ridley Park on Thursday, January 26, 2023.

Born in South Philadelphia on August 23, 1929 to Christopher LaRocca and Agnes Novilus LaRocca, Onnie always remembered her roots fondly. She branded herself as a "Philly Girl" long before marrying and moving to the suburbs, and never stopped expressing her love for the City of Philadelphia.

Onnie graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls, also known as Girls' High, in 1947. As president of her class and captain of the school's cheerleading team, Onnie had immense school spirit throughout her life. This past June, she was blessed to attend her 75 ^th Girls High class reunion.

In 1948, Onnie married the love of her life, Charles "Chalie" Lafferty, whom she met after going to a dance at St. Joseph School in Collingdale. Newly married, she moved to Folcroft, followed by moves to Norwood and then Aldan and eventually settling in Newtown Square. Onnie and Chalie were married for 57 years when "Chal" passed away in 2005. After losing her beloved husband, she moved next door to her daughter in Ridley Park. Onnie was a member of St. Madeline Roman Catholic Church for 16 years.

As a homemaker, Onnie enjoyed a wonderful life with her husband, their five children, and 17 grandchildren. They took many trips throughout the U.S. and South America, as well as cruises. She enjoyed mostly every summer on Long Beach Island at the New Jersey shore, where her parents and she and her husband owned shore homes in Ship Bottom. Onnie enjoyed the beach, playing card games and Scrabble, and learning new things. She was a voracious reader, who loved the library and read several books each week, even into her 90s.

Through the years, she also enjoyed bowling, needlework, going to yard sales and book sales, socializing with friends and relatives, playing tennis, Mummers music, PBS, the Kentucky Derby, and spending time with her children and grandchildren, who affectionately called her GOG (Good Old Grandmom).

Onnie was a loving and nurturing mother, always helping her children with their schoolwork, taking them to Aldan Swim Club and Aldan Library, teaching them life skills and serving as both of her sons' Cub Scout Den Mother.

She also volunteered as a reading tutor and at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital.

For over five decades, she was supportive of her husband and his family's businesses, Pennsylvania Machine Works and US Drop Forge. Onnie often spoke nostalgically about the businesses' early years, when she helped with office work and administrative duties.

In 1986, at the age of 57, Onnie graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Rosemont College. She was in the first group of women who participated in the REAP program for non-traditional aged students. She was a proud Rosemont Alumna.

Onnie was part of the "Lafferty Family" team that played and won on the Family Feud game show in 1984, and again in 1985. She enjoyed reminiscing about the unique and fun experience.

She loved animals, especially her late dog Samantha, and most recently, her beloved cat, Dolly.

Onnie was known for her delicious homemade pizzelles, and once demonstrated the art of pizzelle-making at the Italian American Heritage Museum in Philadelphia.

Onnie was a talented artist and enjoyed painting everything from rooms and statues to works on canvas. She was a distinguished Toastmaster, advancing to the level of ATM. Onnie was also a member of the League of Women Voters and an avid and skilled Bridge player.

Onnie is survived by her five children, Charles J. Lafferty, Jr. (Marie) of Springfield, Patricia Miller of West Chester, Margaret "Peg" DeGrassa (late Russell) of Ridley Park, Marilyn Derrickson (late Raymond) of Middletown Township, and John (Jennifer) Lafferty of Thorndale.

She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, her brother Peter LaRocca of West Virginia, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Onnie was predeceased by her loving husband Charles J. Lafferty, Sr., her beloved parents Chris and Agnes LaRocca and her dear sister Marguerite Falciani.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Church of St. Madeline, 400 Morton Ave., Ridley Park, 8:45- 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023 followed by a Funeral Mass, open to all, at 11 a.m., celebrated by her grandson, Rev. James R. DeGrassa. Burial will be at Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Broomall.

Donations can be made in her memory to Catholic Social Services, 222 N. 17 ^th St., Third Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103