Obituary of Helen H. Petrella

Helen H. Petrella, age 93, of 27 Chestnut St., Cortland, NY passed away on February 2, 2010 at Cortland Care Center after a long illness. She was born in Harrison, Ohio, the daughter of Theodore and Clara Gale Scott, but has been a local resident most of her life. She was a 1934 graduate of Cortland High School, attended the Cortland Business School, and was a Licensed Practical Nurse, having worked mostly at the former Vernooy Sanitarium in Cortland. She was predeceased by her husband, joseph S. Petrella, who passed away November 9, 1987. Helen always had a great love for everything in nature and was especially proud of her flower gardens. She also enjoyed bird-watching, fishing, crafts and antiques, but above all, her family. Survivors include her son Michael (Wanda) Petrella of McGraw, NY, three daughters, Betty R. Kryger of Ithaca, NY, JoAnne (Ralph) Stevens of Nichols, NY, and Carol (Douglas) Strachan of Bradenton, FL. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Sam (Wendy) Kryger, Wesley (Maryann) Kryger, Jason Stevens, Julie (Joe) DeWolf, Ramona (Jack) Cummings, Paul (Kristina) Petrella, Cody (Danielle) Petrella, and Lacey Strachan, 12 great grandchildren, three sisters-in-law, Cecelia Dexter, Irene Ricottilli, Adeline Yacavone all of Cortland, and several nieces and nephews. In keeping with Helens request, there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being made by the Wright-Beard Funeral Home. Internment will be at St. Marys Cemetery, Cortland, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Helens name may be made to the Cortland Professional Firefighters Assoc., 21 Court St., Cortland or to the local S.P.C.A., 879 McLean Rd., Cortland, NY 13045. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the nurses and staff of the Cortland Care Center for their professional and compassionate care for our mother. Our sympathies to Betty and her siblings, to Sam and Wendy, Wes and Mary Ann and their families. Grandma Petrella sired a feisty bunch. We never met her, but she must have been wonderful because you all are. Our hugs and our tears, Jay and Bill To Ramona, Wanda, and Their Family, You have our sincere sympathy for your loss. With Kind Regards, Robin & Larry Betty, So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Wonderful memories of her will help to ease the pain of losing her! She lived a long full life. Jane Joanne, Ralph & family - I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I'm out of town and just got caught up on the news. You are in my thoughts and prayers - Mary McGee