Yolanda Marie Wright

Yolanda’s earthly journey ended at age 84 on Thursday, November 5, 2026, following a prolonged battle with primary progressive aphasia. Yolanda went home to the Lord with family by her side at Avendelle assisted living home in Cary, NC where she’d been a resident for 3 ½ years.

Yolanda was born October 24, 1942, in Tonawanda, NY to Louis A. Panty and Yolanda E. Panty. Yolanda was a graduate of Mount Saint Mary Academy in Kenmore, NY. In 1963 she graduated from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Buffalo and became a Registered Nurse. During nursing school, Yolanda met her lifelong friends, “The Mercy Girls”, who she continued to gather with and cherish all her life.

Yolanda married Michael R. Wright of Buffalo NY on December 26, 1964. They relocated to Los Angeles, CA while he completed his degree at UCLA. Together they had sons Michael L. Wright and the late Eric R. Wright and soon after returned to Buffalo.

Yolanda was passionate about her 40-year nursing career. Including positions as the head nurse at St. George Nursing Home in Eden, NY; a charge nurse at Tri-County Memorial Hospital in Gowanda, NY; and the school nurse for North Collins Jr/Sr High School. Yolanda cared deeply for all her patients and students, going beyond the role of school nurse to improve the lives of those students in need.

In 2001, Yolanda met the love of her life, the late George O’Brien. Together, they enjoyed spending time with family from Canada to Florida, special time with grandkids, and cheering on their Buffalo Bills. In 2011, Yolanda and George moved to Cary, NC where they fully enjoyed retirement with their beloved dog Louie. Yolanda was passionate about the arts, an avid bird watcher, and loved travelling the world.

Yolanda is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Michael L. and Michelle D. Wright of Morrisville; grandchildren Lindsey and Autumn Wright; close family members Michael R. Wright and James Davidzik; sister Mary Louise Woods and several nieces, and a nephew.

In addition to her parents, Yolanda was predeceased by her son Eric R. Wright and husband George O’Brien.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 12:00pm in the St. Mary of the Angels Chapel at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial will follow in Raleigh Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, by using the link below, under 'Donations' (cff.org).

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