Wilma E. Ricci

Wilma Elizabeth Ricci, 98, of Fort Washington Estates, formerly of Lower Gwynedd and Oreland, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Born in Philadelphia on June 19,1926, she was the daughter of the late Gustave and Elizabeth (Fatz) Holberg.

Wilma graduated from Olney High School in 1944 and began working at the Penn Mutual Insurance Company. In October 1949, she married the late Eric A. Ricci with whom she shared 60 wonderful years until his passing in 2009. Together they raised two children, Wayne and Pamela, and purchased their first home on Filbert Road in Oreland, Pennsylvania.

A long-time member of Oreland Presbyterian Church, Wilma devoted over 70 years to the congregation. She retired after 20 years with International Medical Services. Wilma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend—known for her kindness, grace, and unwavering generosity.

Throughout her life Wilma enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including baking delicious pies, sewing, knitting, reading, gardening, and playing bridge. She had a special love for travel, exploring Europe, Canada, and the United States with her husband, family, and friends. One of her most memorable trips was to the Canadian Rockies, which she often described as her favorite.

Wilma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eric; her brother, Walter Holberg; and her sister, Ruth Holberg.

She is survived by her children, Wayne E. Ricci (Sharon) of Maple Glen and Pamela R. Shannon (Daniel) of Worcester; her four grandchildren, Brian M. Cash (Susan) of Blue Bell, Westley E. Ricci of North Wales, Lauren E. O'Hara (Daniel) of Jenkintown, and Janine E. Griffith (William) of Ambler; as well as her eight great-grandchildren: Jude and Paul Cash, Gavin and Lacey Ricci, Connor and Mason O'Hara, and Charlotte and William Griffith. Wilma is also survived by her sister-in-law, Doris Holberg of Harleysville; her cousin, Virginia Nason of Lafayette Hill; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call after 9:45 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2025 at Oreland Presbyterian Church, 1119 Church Road, Oreland, PA 19075, followed by the Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will be private.  Arrangements are by the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Wilma's memory to the Oreland Presbyterian Church, address above, or to the ACTS Samaritan Fund, c/o ACTS Legacy Foundation, 420 Delaware Drive, Fort Washington, PA 19034