Daria (Altieri) Cant

Daria Cant (nee Altieri), age 71, died peacefully on May 21, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Philadelphia, Daria was the daughter of the late Robert and Joan Altieri. She spent her childhood years in Colwyn where she attended Colwyn Elementary School. She graduated from Darby Colwyn High School in 1972, and married her high school sweetheart, Jim, in 1975. Daria enjoyed a long career “making babies” (as she said) at Mainline Fertility for close to 30 years. During that time, she was also an active member of St. Bernadette Parish as a member of the Women’s Club and many volunteer positions.

Daria’s family was everything to her. Her greatest role was as a mother to her two children, Dana and Jimmy. Nothing brought her more happiness than being a Nonna to her two grandchildren, Sofia and Vincent. Her presence in their life is immeasurable. 

Daria’s home was always open to family and friends. She enjoyed bringing people together through her gift of cooking and her ability to create a flawless table setting. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by her family, enjoying a meal that was prepared with so much love. Daria and Jim cherished their many travels with family (the Cant siblings) and friends (The Lansdowne crew).  Her most treasured memories were her summers in Maine, where she was able to see her grandchildren run on the same beaches that her children did many years ago. In addition to family, Daria was fortunate to have her two childhood best friends by her side for 66 years. 

Daria had a flair for fashion and was always dressed to the nines. She looked beautiful no matter what battle she was fighting. Even on her roughest days, she managed to apply her makeup and style her hair.  Daria had a way of making everyone around her feel special, whether it was through one of beautifully wrapped gifts, a plate of her gorgeous cookies wrapped up in cellophane with a bow, a card with a special message written in her distinct handwriting, or even just a kind smile that twinkled her eyes. Simply put, everyone loved her. 

Daria is survived by her husband of 50 years, James Cant; children Dana Orapallo (John) of Glen Mills and Jimmy Cant (Jen) of Pittsburgh; and her two precious grandchildren, Sofia and Vincent. She is also survived by her siblings Robert and Bruce Altieri, as well as three cherished “sisters”, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday May 28, 2026 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. at Ruffenach Funeral Home in Drexel Hill. An additional viewing will take place on Friday May 29, 2026 at 9:30 am at St. Bernadette of Lourdes Church, 1035 Turner Avenue, Drexel Hill. Funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Fox Chase Cancer Center. 

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