Ruth Mary Mercandetti

Ruth Mary Mercandetti, 69, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Guam, she was the devoted wife of the late Rich A. Mercandetti for 37 years. She was the daughter of the late Ambassador Bartolome Umayam and Genoveva Samonte. Ruthie graduated from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in English, taught in the University’s English department, and maintained her high school connections by way of mahjong sessions with her Maryknollers. She ended her career serving as an educator, but her life’s most cherished work was that of being a mother. Ruthie, also affectionately known as “Mama Merc”, was a mother to everyone and always made others feel welcome in her presence and her home. Most recently she was a parishioner at St. Anthony of Padua. Ruthie was strong in her faith to the very end and had great devotion to the Rosary. Her motto was “Not to Worry”, which she continued to embody throughout her battle with cancer. Ruthie enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel, anything on the Food Network, and rooting for the New York Rangers. Her kids were most important in her life. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and loved gathering together for a good meal. She had a vast collection of takeout menus from restaurants near and far so she could always be prepared to place her order. Ruthie is survived by three children: Jennifer A. Mercandetti of Hackettstown, NJ; Christina F. Mercandetti; and Tim M. Mercandetti, husband of Christina L. Mercandetti, all of Lancaster, PA; four siblings: Jessie Eleazar and husband Gene Eleazar, Cristina Kho, and Elizabeth Evangelista; twin brother Benjamin Umayam and husband Michael Higgins; two granddogs, Benny and Charlie; and many nieces, nephews, and loved ones. The family will receive friends at The Groff Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street (corner of W. Orange & Pine Sts.), Lancaster, PA 17603 on Wednesday evening, January 15, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. with eulogies shared at 7:00 p.m., and again on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of departure for church. Relatives and friends are invited to the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 501 E. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Matthew Morelli officiating. Final commendation and farewell will take place at St. Anthony of Padua Cemetery. A live webcast of the Visitation will start at 5:00 p.m. and can be found at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25016129974606 A live webcast of the Service will start on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. Please join the service by clicking on this link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25015728789913 In addition to flowers, charitable donations can be made in Ruthie’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.