Olivia R. Gonnella's Obituary
Olivia R. Gonnella, age 94, of Lewes, DE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at her residence with her loved ones by her side. She was born May 15, 1916 in Philadelphia, PA, daughter of the late Vincent "Jimmy" and Domenica Pigliacelli.
Mrs. Gonnella enjoyed a long career as an insurance clerk with Provident Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Philadelphia from which she retired in 1981. She loved to cook, grow roses, and tend to her flower garden. She was a member of St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church. Her family was always first and foremost as she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gonnella was preceded in death by her husband Frank Gonnella, Jr. (1989). She is survived by two daughters: Loretta Ross of Lewes, with whom she lived, and Mary Louise Papa Morris and her husband Norman "Mercury" of Sorrento, FL, formerly of Mantua, NJ; two granddaughters: Christine Papa and her husband Andrew Kavulich of Shamong, NJ, and Juliana Papa Drinane and her husband Robert M. Drinane of Flemington, NJ; seven great-grandchildren; her long-term companion and friend, Richard Mehring; and her long-term friend, Mary Anna Ledva.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Mark Connelly on Monday, September 20, 2010, 11 AM, at St. Jude The Apostle Church, DE Route 1 North of Five Points, Lewes, DE. Friends may call at the church beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Sign online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
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