Yolanda Paolini

Yolanda Paolini was born October 4, 1920 in Sernechia, Italy and passed away peacefully on May 11, 2024. At 103 years old Yolanda maintained a sharp mind with a spirtuality and inspired everyone who met her. Yolanda’s daughter-in-law, Pat, said “Yolanda was a beautiful soul”. For the last 5 years Yolanda enjoyed living in Palm Beach Gardens Assisted Living, a community, with her son and caregiver Renny.

Yolanda’s roots in New York and story of her life is one for the books! At 8 years old she became an immigrant on her way from Italy with her mother, Guiliette, to seek a better life in America like so many reaching for The American Dream. Life in New York was hard living in Hell’s Kitchen during The Depression but nothing stopped her determination. Work, sacrifice and holding steadfast to her Christian faith she continued to pursue the American Dream. At 10 years old Yolanda took care of her sister Mary, 2 brothers Mikey and Jerry, Mario and Nettie 2 motherless children that needed care.

Entering the work force at 19 years old after graduating from Washington Irving High School Yolanda had a passion for textile arts and dressmaking. So much a glamourous young lady who loved pretty dresses, dressing up, she used her skill to make her own clothes for herself and her sister. Yolanda was hired in the garment district where dressmaking was an emerging trade for women to make a living. Quicklly she became a successful dressmaker. Years later Yolanda saved enough money to purchase a home for her mother in Astoria, NY.

In 1941 one of Yolanda’s most cherished memories and a member of the Dress Makers Union, she was chosen as a representative to greet and give flowers to Eleanor Roosevelt when FDR was in NY with Mayor LaGuardia. Yolanda was a beaming Miss Italy as she entered the limousine to give Mrs. Roosevelt a bouquet of flowers in her honor. You can imagine at that moment the pride Yolanda felt as an Italian immigrant.

At the factory Yolanda met her future husband, Adrian, who fell in love with her. Adrian was a nephew to the owner entrepreneur “Uncle Lou” who was married to Adrian’s Great Aunt Zizi. It was a true love story with marriage after the war and four children later Teddy, Renny, Susie and Rachela. However after 12 years Adrian passed away and she was left with all the heartache and difficulty of raising a family alone. Thru devotion to faith in God’s grace and strength of spirit she found a way to overcome grief, the mourning of her beloved husband.

Once again Landa, a new shorted version of Yolanda, entered the work force when Dr. Celenza, a family relative, offered her an opportunity to handle the front desk at his dental practice. Landa was able to thrive, enjoy life going out to dinners at the Columbus Club and Opera Nights with friends and patients. Of course her style and grace complimented those who she mingled with.

Rachela, the youngest had a special bond with her mother. The baby in the family connected in a way only the youngest child can. Motherly duties, homemaker skills, with the same kind of love and devotion necessary to raise a family were qualities they both shared.

Retiring at 80 years of age part time work was found at an antique store ‘Angels By The Sea.’ Retirement allowed enjoyment with her grandchildren Chris, Brittany, Gabi, Pascal and Ariana. Yolanda was fortunate to spend time with her great grandchildren Matthew, Lexi, Dylan, Pierce and meet the babies Woody and Chiara. Expressing deep love within, the enduring gift of life, resonated with each of her grandchildren. Wise in old age with a Christ like identity, to practice the teachings of forgiveness, love one another, peace and harmony, the most important values in her life.

There are no words to grasp the breath of my mother’s soul her beauty, dignity and grace. Yolanda taught by her example which will live on in each of us. My mother was a inspiration to me. When her death occurred Renny understood all that she embodied. Two of the greatest principles in life: Love of Family and Love of God.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday morning from 8:30am until 10:00am.

A funeral mass for Yolanda will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Kevin's RC Church, 45-21 194th St, Flushing, NY 11358. Following the funeral mass will be the interment from 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM at Mount St. Mary Cemetery, 172-00 Booth Memorial Ave, Flushing, NY 11365.