Yolanda M. Ciotoli

Yolanda M. Ciotoli, age 85, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2017, at St. Mary's Home -East. She was born in Erie on October 4, 1931, the fifth daughter of the late Anthony and Rose Battista Carlini Ciotoli.

She graduated from East High School, Class of 1950, and worked at Bucyrus Erie for more than 30 years, working her way up from clerk to a purchasing agent until a physical disability necessitated her retirement. She was a member of Zonta International, St. Patrick's Church, and St. Jude's Church until she moved to St. Mary's Home in 2009.

As a child, Yolanda was diagnosed with a rare spinal disorder that became increasingly debilitating in her adult life. She fought through this disability for many years with a strong spirit and will, first excelling at her job and then, in retirement, taking on gardening, crafts, and needlework. Eventually she was unable to use her hands at all, but her family has beautiful items that she created, inspirational reminders of what can be accomplished with love and determination.

A loving sister and beloved aunt, Yolanda is survived by her sister, Dorothy Ciotoli of Erie; nieces, Gail Runyan (Ron) and Nancy Bracalento of Cary, NC, and Mary Grace Shannon (Denny) of Fairview; nephews, Mark Bracalento (Jean) of Erie, and Thomas Bracalento of Clearwater, FL. In addition, she leaves great-nephews, Matt and Kevin Runyan, Stephen and Justin Shannon, Joe, Mike, and Lou Bracalento; great-nieces, Emily Ciotoli and Toni Marie Bracalento; as well as several great-great nieces and nephews.

Yolanda was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Dante and Arthur Ciotoli, Louise, Edith, and Mary Ciotoli, Ann Ciotoli Bracalento, and nephew James Ciotoli.

The family thanks the wonderful staff at St. Mary's Home-East for their loving support and care of Yolanda during her years there.

Friends may call at St. Mary's Home - East, (Reed Street entrance) on Thursday from 10 am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11 am. Interment, Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Home-East, 607 East 26 St, Erie, PA 16504. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc.