M. Aurelie Petrarca

Our sister Aurelie was born on November 26, 1958 in New Hampshire to the late Tony and Betty Petrarca. Surviving her are her siblings, Martina, Clare, Barbara (Matt), Charles, and Richard (Patti), nieces and nephews Matthew, Theresa, Samantha, George (Nan), Geoffrey, Charles (Sarah), Thomas (Courtney), A.J., great-nephew Becket and great-niece Sophia, her, amazing friend, care-giver and roommate, Lisa, Golden Retriever Vinnie, cats Jake and Emma.

From a young age she was witty and always spoke the truth with plenty of compassion. She was a firm believer in family and faith, protecting her younger siblings.

Aurelie was very smart. At age 4 she was tested for Kindergarten and wouldn't respond to the teacher's questions. When asked why, she said "because the questions are stupid." When doing long division she figured it out in her head without showing her work... driving the teachers crazy.

She was athletic and excelled in volleyball and softball. She was an artist, painting many works of art.

Aurelie loved music, she had perfect pitch and was a brilliant beautiful singer and musician. She could play any instrument she picked up: viola, piano, guitar, banjo, accordion, organ, harmonica, bass, ukulele and sometimes the kazoo. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in music. She had a beautiful, soft and contemporary voice. In 2001 she recorded a CD of her songs. She was a firm believer in God and spread his joy through her singing.

She played at many local churches and events. She had a song in her heart for every occasion, and particularly loved being a member of the St Thomas More Newman Center Choir.

She returned to school for a Masters degree in Pastoral Studies through the University of Loyola.

Aurelie loved her dogs and cats, and adopted many through the years. As kids we fought over who could sleep with our dachshund Max. Our stray cat Greta Garbo appeared when our mother (who was allergic to cats) was in the hospital. Aurelie made the decision and snuck her into the house. Mom and all of us grew to love that cat who lived for 17 years. Aurelie's cat Angela was feisty and stole her sister's peanut butter sandwiches off the table. Her beloved golden retriever Hannah became a therapy dog and they visited hospitals, nursing homes & became a volunteer for hospice to visit the terminally ill. She bonded immediately with Gabe, their next golden retriever. He became her "soul dog." They were both confident, compassionate and headstrong. They loved walking the neighborhood and developing friendships everywhere they went. Aurelie and Lisa joined the Golden Retriever Club of Central Ohio and became active members for many years including board member and editor of the Newsletter.

Aurelie was a fun Aunt. Every year on Christmas Day, she would bring a giant box she filled with surprises. She would write some funny poem relating to what might be in that box. Most of it came from discount stores, her nieces and nephews looked forward to it and were never disappointed.

Aurelie lived her life honestly and truthfully, finding goodness in the little things.

She felt everyone should stand up for what they believe in, follow their heart and keep laughing. We will miss you sis. A special thanks for the care received from the Mount Carmel Staff, the Zangmeister Staff, Mount Carmel Hospice and Brittany her caregiver with Always Neighbors as well as the many friends and family who assisted Aurelie along her journey. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local animal shelter or Mount Carmel Hospice in Aurelie's name.

Visitation will be held 9-10 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 6077 Sharon Woods Blvd Columbus, OH 43229. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Anthony Davis, Celebrant.

Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or extend condolences.