Michelle Ryder, age 87, died peacefully at her residence of 18 years in Chambersburg, PA. She was born, named Aurora Marie Raimo, and raised in White Plains, NY by her parents Nunzio and Arcangela (Passarelli) Raimo. She shared responsibilities and worked alongside her six siblings in her parents' restaurant while growing up.
A country and western kind of a girl at heart, she loved her cowboy singers and western movies and took up the guitar and rode horses. She had honed skills in embroidery and knitting. She was married twice. Kurt Luft her first husband died after 11 years of marriage, and then Bill Ryder who died after 13 years of marriage.
In 2006 she moved to Chambersburg, PA joining two sisters and two nephews who lived in Chambersburg. She loved to meander on the grounds and walkways of Menno Haven where she lived with her toy poodle, Shelly for many years.
Michelle is survived by siblings, Filomena Boylan of Chambersburg, Adelina Mallozzi of Texas, Antonio Raimo of Florida, and Linda Raimo of Chambersburg and a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members. In addition to her parents, first husband and second husband she was preceded in death by two brothers, Nunzio and Victor Raimo.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central Pennsylvania to EAWCP, 1501 Reedsdale Street, Suite 3002
Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or online at www.eawcp.org.
Online condolences may be expressed at geiselfuneralhome.com.