Yolanda (Yola) Carmel Merola 92, of Branford, formerly of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 15th at the Elim Park Health Care Center in Cheshire with her family by her side. Yolanda was born in New Haven on November 15, 1925 and was the daughter of the late Frank and Rose Ricciardo Bellelo. Yolanda worked for many years as a seamstress at the former Gant and Sero Shirt Factories and later for Action Embroidery all in New Haven. She was an active member of the Hamden Italian American Independent Club, and was president of the club’s Women’s Auxiliary as well as the first woman to be selected to receive the Annual Meritorious Award. In her early days, Yolanda was a member of a competitive bowling league that met weekly. She was also an excellent cook. She had a passion for both cooking and baking, preparing many holiday feasts for family and friends. Yolanda is survived by daughter Donna (Robert) Wilson, and son Blair (Patricia) Merola, her beloved grandchildren, Justin Ross (Kristina) Merola, Sarah Blair Wilson, Benjamin James Wilson, and precious great grandchild, Theodore James Merola. She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Blair H. Merola, Sr.; two brothers Carl (Jennie) Bellelo, Frank (Peggy) Bellelo, and three sisters, Florence (Salvatore) Conte, Antoinette (Thomas) Vece and Christine (John) Raucci. The family would like to extend gratitude to the kind aides, nurses and staff at Elim Park, as well as Masonic Hospice for support in her final days.
Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven on Friday morning, March 23rd at 10:00 to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in All Saints Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Yolanda’s name to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492.
I would like to send my warm Christian love and condolences. I also would like to encourage the family to please consider what God’s word the Bible says about our Dear Loved Ones who have fallen asleep in death. At John 5v28,29 Jesus says that there will be a RESURRECTION!! And by means of this resurrection, Job 33v25 says that Our Dear Loved Ones will return to the days of their Youthful VIGOR! A truly encouraging Promise that will soon take place. For additional encouraging Bible Based Topics that effects us all please visit http://www.jw.org
We extend our deepest condolences to the Merola family! May her life be eternal! Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you during these difficult times! With All Our Love!
Maria & Takis Demetriades
Our warmest condolences to Patty, Blair and all the family on the passing of Yola. She will always be near and dear to your hearts. Our prayers are with you all at this time.
Patti & Blair,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Love,
Katie & Brian Andrus
Blair and Patty,
We are so very sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏
Blair, Patty….Sorry for your loss.
Blair, we are so sorry for your loss. Both of my parents lived until 92. When they live that long, we all think they will live FOREVER. Unfortunately, God has other plans. I can remember having functions at your many beautiful homes. Your Mom was at all of those parties, back when Justin & Keith were at Notre Dame. Great memories of laughter & friendship. We all only have one Mom and that bond is unbreakable. She forged you as the man you are today, Blair. By anyone’s standards, she did an EXCELLENT JOB as a Mom. God Bless you & your family at this time of loss. Rest in Peace.
May your mom be received to her rest with the Lotd with the open arms to those who have been waiting for her. Praying that your time with her on Earth will bring back all the good memories 🙏🏼 Peace be with you. Sincerely Kathy Stardellis and Bob
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Yolonda (Yola) as I knew her. She was a wonderful women. I met her at many parties. My dad and Uncle Tommy are brothers. My parents are James and Carrie Vece. May she rest in peace with the rest of the family. She has gained her wings. Fly High Yola
Dear Blair and Patti, Sending my love and sympathy on the passing of your mother, Praying that God will be ever so close to you in the days and weeks to come. ” God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble.”
My Cousins Donna & Blair, and your families;
You have our most heartfelt condolences on your loss of your mother and our Aunt. Cherish all those good memories that you had with her as I know that she will be sorely missed by all of us who knew her. I have many fond memories of her from the family picnics and the other gatherings. So sorry for not attending her services as I just found out about her passing last night.
May she rest in piece.
You all take care,
Paul & Andy