Nora Rita Facchiano

Nora to associates, Norita to family, Sister Francis Rita to some, and loved by all.

She was born March 5, 1938 in Teaneck, New Jersey to James Francis Reid and Marie Wilhelmina Reid nee Rosinski, 14 months after the birth of her sister. Her earliest years were spent in the small town of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. Persistence in achieving her goals has been a strong attribute. When just a toddler she ventured into her father’s sacred tulip bed and not only admired their beauty but began plucking the flowers. When her father saw this, Nora was disciplined and put to bed.  Undaunted however, the next day she completed the job and pulled the last flower! This determination was a hallmark of her approach to life.

Around 1941 the family moved to Washington D.C and lived with maternal grandparents. It was during these years she contracted measles and was left with a hearing deficit that went undetected during her early life. This loss was a great burden for her but made her very sensitive to the disability of others especially in learning.

In 1958 she entered the Daughters of Charity in Emmitsburg, Maryland and was educated for teaching. She excelled in this and her love of children and teaching endured the rest of her life. She left the Community in 1972. Soon after this, she met Giovanni “John” Facchiano and they were married on July 7, 1973.

On April 12, 1974 their “honeymoon” baby was born. James “Jay” became the center of her life and heart. Soon after his birth she started child care in her home. Several years later she returned to full-time teaching at St. Mark’s School in Adelphi, MD. In 2006, on the nomination of parents, Nora received the Washington Post’s Agnes Myer award for excellence in Teaching. Then in 2012 the Archdiocese of Washington awarded her ‘The Golden Apple Award”.

Her interests were broader than teaching however. She was an active member of the Lewisdale Civic Association and Emergency Preparedness Team. While a resident at Heartland she advocated the Administration to promote and provide “Go Bags” for all residents.

She was a great travel companion to her sister on trips to Maine, Hawaii, Cancun, Paradise Island, Arizona and several trips to Florida. She loved the water and warm sunny places.

When she retired from teaching and running the after-school program at St. Francis International School, she moved to an apartment close to her son and grandsons in Columbia, MD. Our Lady of Perpetual Help became her parish and soon she began assisting with the teaching and preparation of children for their first Communion, a special love of hers. It was as a member of the Grasshoppers group that Norita met Sr. Lucy who helped her to see a new roll for herself at the Heartlands Senior Living in Ellicott City—to be a witness of the faith to those around her, which she did. She prayed with some, offered advice and was genuinely grateful for her care. She developed many admirers and was always up for a conversation even if she couldn’t hear. She started and led a Rosary Prayer Group and was active in the arts and crafts and Sign Language groups.

Nora is survived by her son Jay and wife Melanie and three grandsons, Dominic, Joseph and Christopher; by her siblings Patrick and Elizabeth Anne; and by many cousins and friends. Her husband John preceded her in death.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. August 7, 2025 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4795 Ilchester Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21043 where Mass will follow at 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Little Sisters of the Poor, Washington D.C. - https://littlesistersofthepoorwashingtondc.org/donate/ ; or to a charity of your choice.