Obituary of Margaret D. Sorantino

 Margaret (Speeney) Sorantino, 96, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on November 12, 2018.  Born in Dunbar, PA, Margaret moved to Camden, NJ as a child, and then became a lifelong resident of Cedarville.  Margaret was married for (54) years to her beloved husband, Joseph J. Sorantino, Sr. before his passing in 1994.  She was the loving daughter of the late Fred and Angelina (Lope) Speeney.

As a young adult Margaret was employed by Seabrook Farms in order to unselfishly help her parents, and later assisted her husband in the operation of the Sorantino Brothers’ Cedarbrook Farms.  Margaret was a most faithful and founding member of St. Michael’s Church in Cedarville, attending daily mass and actively volunteering in all aspects of parish life. Margaret was a long standing member of the Altar and Rosary Society, as well as the St. Mary Magdalene School PTA in Millville and Sacred Heart High School PTA in Vineland. She was honored during a Mothers’ Day Celebration in 1970 at Villanova University.  As a very committed member of the Lawrence Township Senior Center, Margaret received the RSVP Volunteer Award in 2004.

Our mother was a wonderful, gentle, compassionate, and warm person who devoted her life to caring for her family and friends, and making her home a welcoming and hospitable place where all could gather.  She was always cognizant of the importance of God, family and friends in her life.  Margaret was an excellent cook, who had a passion for preparing meals that celebrated her Italian culture, especially Christmas Eve’s Feast of the Seven Fishes.  Margaret was also a voracious reader, who for many years read a book a day and was committed to being a lifelong learner.

Margaret was predeceased by her brothers, Albert, Anthony, Bert, Frank,  John, Michael, and Nicholas, and her sisters, Caroline, Rose, and Yolanda, as well as her firstborn  grandson, Joseph “Jay “ Sorantino, III and daughter-in-law, Marion Sorantino, who she loved dearly.  Margaret was a loving, devoted and dedicated mother to son, Joseph J. Sorantino, Jr. (Addie Saffoti) and daughter, Carol and son-in-law, Jack Gribble. “Gran” is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Stephanie Sorantino, Stephen Sorantino (Debbie), and Christopher Gribble (Elyse), and   great- grand mom to Joseph J. Sorantino IV, Allison and Devon Sorantino, Rachel Davis, and her new great granddaughter, Celine Rose Gribble born on October 5, 2018.

A special and heartfelt thank you to Gran’s loving caregiver, Judy Andrews, who has become such an endearing member of our family.

Our mother has left us all with a beautiful legacy of her love.  She was and will always remain an inspiration to us.  Words cannot express the void that she will leave in our hearts but all of us will take a piece of her goodness and kindness and she will become a cherished part of our daily lives.   May she rest in heavenly peace.   “Well done good and faithful servant”.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, November 17^th from 9 am to 10:45 am at St. Michael’s Church, 367 Main Street in Cedarville, followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 11am.  Margaret will be laid to rest at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Cedarville.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Margaret’s memory to The Parish of the Holy Cross, 46 Central Avenue, Bridgeton, NJ 08302.  Arrangements are under the direction of the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, Cedarville.  Written condolences can be sent to the family at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com