Carmela Marie O'Donnell (Rissi), age 89 of Ocean City, NJ and Blue Bell, PA. She passed away on January 31, 2025, surrounded by her family. Carmela was born and raised in Mount Airy, Philadelphia. Carmela married the love of her life, Jim, in June 1954. During the first couple of years of their marriage, she worked at Bell Telephone and taught dance at Arthur Murray Studio. Carmela and Jim moved to Wyndmoor and raised their two daughters. Following her love of fashion, Carmela started Mel's Boutique in their home, eventually moving to Blue Bell. For many years, she offered stylish clothing and a personal touch to select clientele. Upon retirement, Mel and Jim moved to Ocean City, NJ, where they had vacationed every summer.
Carmela cherished time spent with her family. A dedicated mother of Maria McCarthy (Dennis) and Karen Hunter (Robert). Cherished Mommom of Nicole Botta (Joseph), Danielle Sulpizio (Brian), Amanda Hunter, Taylor DeRiggi (Nico), and Lucas Hunter. Great Grandmother to Lily, Victoria, Sophia, Scarlett, Sante, Carter, Easton, Aurora, Adalynn, Lucca and James. Loving aunt to many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Carmela was predeceased by her loving husband, James L. O'Donnell, grandson Christopher Cooper McCarthy, brother Pasquale Rissi, sister Clara Robertson, and parents, Samuel and Thomasina Rissi.
Relatives and friends may call at Jacob F. Ruth's, 8413 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA., Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 11 am. Funeral service at 12 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.stjude.org/memorial
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Directors
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Directors
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