Frances L. Petrella, 97 of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Monday, December 16, 2019 in the confort of her home with her sister, Anne, by her side. and surrounded with love from family and her dedicated caregivers. she is now with her parents, aunts Mary and Edith Fino, and sister Eleanor Silic, brother John Petrella, brother in law Steve Ellis and her beloved Dr. Nelson Weiser.
Born July 2, 1922, Fran or Aunt Fran as many knew her) was the daughter of the late Andrew and Angelina Petrella.
She was a graduate of GAR High School Class of 1940 and College Misericordia Class of 1957 earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. After training in New York City, Fran spent her entire career of 50 years at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. rarely if ever, missing a work day. Fran was a true Florence Nightingale nurse, struggling only when asked to stop wearing her nursing cap. As her niece Judy Ellis is fond of saying," On the 8th day God created nurses in the image of our precious Aunt Fran".
Aunt Fran adored Joe DiMaggio of the NY Yankees often recalling the story about the day after
WWII that he visited the VA Hospital (while she was napping in the nurses lounge after a long shift). Wishing not to disturb her, the other nurses decided not to wake her which Fran lamented
for the last 70 years. She continued watching the Yankees until her last day.
To all who knew Fran, she was the very symbol of the greatest generation, putting others before
herself and generous beyond words. Somehow, and just when you needed it most,a check would show up in the mail. A sweeter or more giving person you will not find. They just don't make them like her anymore.Most importantly, to her many nieces and nephews, Aunt Fran was a second mother insuring they never missed any important events or vacations. How lucky they felt to have had her blessings.
To all Fran's caregivers, to Dr. Eva Lange , Dr. Beverly Borlandoe and Dr. Aliasgar Chittalia, our deepest gratitude from
Fran's family who know she survived the past 3 years not only from their excellent care but from
the love and compassion offered her daily, just as she provided to her VA patients.
The only pain she ever caused was when she left us.
Fran is survived by her sister, Anne Ellis and 18 nieces and nephews inclulding 5 great nieces and
nephew 4 great great nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Relatives and friends may call on Thursday from 6-8pm at the Gubbiotti Funeral Home, LLC 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter.
A mass of Christian burial will be on Friday at 10am in St. Andrew's Parish, 316 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre.
Interment will be in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
Those attending the mass are asked to go directly to the church on Friday morning.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Misericordia University Advancement Dept, 301 lake St., Dallas, Pa. 18612 in memory of Frances L. Petrella
To sent the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com
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