Yolanda Goretti

Yolanda Goretti, 100, of Lopatcong Township, NJ entered her eternal rest midnight July 30, 2022 at Complete Care at Brakeley Park Center where she resided for eight years.

 

Born on August 20, 1921 in New Village, she was the daughter of the late Angelo and Rosa Storoni Goretti. Yolanda was the niece of St. Maria Goretti, a canonized Saint of the Roman Catholic Church who was martyred at the early age of 11 defending her virginal purity by a would be assailant whom she forgave on her death bed. Maria is the patron saint of teenagers.

 

A devout member of St. Philip & James RC Church, she worked at American Can Company in Washington, NJ until her retirement in 1981. She also lived at Clymer Village for 27 years before moving to Brakeley.

 

Her favorite book was  “In Garments All Red” about St. Maria. Yolanda was an avid NY Yankee’s fan, loved puzzles, enjoying the Reader’s Digest and loved dancing, especially polkas. Glenn Miller was her favorite band. She visited the Senior Nutrition Center regularly, attended mass regularly at her parish and belonged to their 50/50 Club.

 Yolanda is survived by many nieces and nephews including John, son of her only brother, who took her on regular jaunts to Shop-Rite and Walmart. She was preceded in death by a brother Louis “George”, and sisters Mary Giovanetti, Linda Molino, Elisabeth Mariani, Delfena (who died at a young age), Frances Goretti and Lydia Goretti.

The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to Fr. John Barbella, and all the priests, deacons and laity at St. Philip & James for Yolanda’s spiritual oversight as well as Fr. Carlos Martins who was such a blessing to Yolanda and the family during the Pope’s declared Year of Mercy in 2015.

 In addition, the family would like to express sincere thanks for the love and care extended to their dear Aunt by the staff and management of Brakeley Care, where she loved to dance and bring smiles to all.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 8am to 9:30am at the Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman St., Phillipsburg, N.J. with the Funeral Mass to be held following the calling hour at 10 am at St. Philip & St. James Catholic Church, 430 South Main St., Phillipsburg, N.J. Entombment will follow at Holy Apostles Mausoleum, Greenwich Twp., N.J.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Philip & St. James Catholic Church.