Obituary of Yola Maria Petrozzi

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Yola Maria Petrozzi (nee Rorai) on December 11, 2022. Born on February 8, 1928 in Windsor, ON to Joseph and Olivia Rorai (nee Colautti). She is now reunited with her soulmate and dancing partner of 46 years, John Petrozzi. Survived by her two children Paula Rorai (Vernon), and Gerald Petrozzi, five grandchildren Christina (late Michael), Danielle (Sean), Vanessa (Naseem), Netanya (Paul), and Allen, and three great grandchildren Olivia, Alexandra, and Lily. Yola was the second oldest to her late brothers Ado Rorai (Patricia) and Joseph Rorai (Sheila). Her numerous nieces and nephews will greatly miss their ‘Auntie Yo’ and will forever remember the legendary family dinners, parties, holidays on Moy Ave. Yola was an avid reader, loved to sing the Italian classics, and had a deep love for dancing. She had an immense talent for cooking, gardening, and had no problem starting a conversation with anyone she met. As a past President of the Sorana Society Femminile in Sterling Heights, Michigan, she was deeply passionate about her heritage. Her happiest times were spent feeding friends and family, making them laugh, and enjoying a good cold beer. Above all else, Yola loved her family. Her deep sense of pride and love for her family includes both immediate and all the members in the Colautti, Rorai, and Petrozzi families. Yola has always been a caregiver; she loved to take care of her nieces and nephews (especially corrupting them with late nights at her and John’s Fraser Q Club). She demonstrated immense strength, unwavering positivity, and an inspiring sense of gratitude through her continuous battles overcoming serious health issues. Her deservedly earned nickname ‘the Iron Lady’ instilled a profound sense of perseverance and commitment to family. To know her was to love her, her wicked sense of humor and zest for life was felt by everyone she met. As per Yola’s wishes cremation has taken place, with a private entombment to follow. A visitation will be held at St. Anne’s Parish (12233 Tecumseh Rd E, Tecumseh, ON N8N 1M3) on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 10:00am and mass at 11:00am. Yola’s family has arranged a memory box that will be buried with her. The family invites all who are interested to send them a note or item that you would like added to the memory box. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Transition to Betterness (https://www.t2b.ca/give/), the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html), or to the Canadian Cancer Society (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/).