Nora C. (Cellini) Serpente

Nora C. Serpente

1948 – 2024

Nora C. Serpente (née Cellini) age 76, of Drexel Hill, died peacefully on July 27, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by Joseph Cellini and Elinor Cellini (nee Winkel).  She is survived by her loving husband Robert F. Serpente, daughter Elinor Stewart (Matthew) and son Robert Serpente Jr. (Jessica), grandchildren Jack Stewart, Nora Stewart, Isabelle Serpente, and Lucas Serpente, and her brother Joseph Cellini (late Patricia).

Nora was born in Philadelphia, PA, on July 26, 1948.  She grew up in Havertown and attended St. Bernadette of Lourdes School and Archbishop Prendergast High School.  Nora studied Education at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia where she graduated in 1970.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Villanova University in 1974.  In 1968, Nora  began her teaching career at Holy Cross School in Springfield.  She then continued her career at St. Bernadette of Lourdes, St. Callistus, and in 1988, she began teaching at Beverly Hills Middle School in Upper Darby School District.  She retired from Beverly Hills Middle School in 2013 after a 40-year career in education. 

In 1973, Nora met Bob Serpente via mutual friends.  They married in 1974 and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May.  Nora and Bob raised their family in Philadelphia, Ardmore, and Drexel Hill.  During the summer months, you could find Nora spending time with her family and friends in Margate City, NJ.  Her home featured jars of sweet treats for all to enjoy that she affectionately named “temptation station.”  Nora and her cousins enjoyed searching for treasures at estate sales at the Jersey Shore.  In the estate sale off-season, Nora returned to Drexel Hill where Sunday family dinners were cherished.  She loved opening her home to others with food and laughter.  Holidays always featured her heralded pizzelle cookies.  People sought Nora’s sage advice and common sense solutions to problems.  Over the past 15 years, Nora’s biggest sense of pride was spending time with and spoiling her four grandchildren.  Her spirited generosity, wisdom, and laughter will be missed by all.  

“Leave the gun.  Take the cannoli.”

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Friday, August 2, 6-8pm @ Ruffenach Funeral Home, 4900 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, PA, 19026 and Saturday, August 3, 9:30-10:15 AM @ Saint Bernadette of Lourdes Church, 1035 Turner Ave, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 followed by 10:30AM Funeral Mass.  Interment will follow at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to St. Bernadette of Lourdes School school related parish giving/tuition assistance donation (memo: Nora Serpente) benefitting the students of St. Bernadette at 1001 Turner Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.
 

Disclaimer - The below flower and tree options were not selected or endorsed by the family however we are unable to remove these options as they are a part of the website’s revenue system that keeps it online. Thank you for your understanding.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nora C. (Cellini) Serpente, please visit our floral store.