Yolanda M. (DePastina) Sisti

Mrs. Yolanda M. (DePastina) Sisti, of Utica, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2008 at the Masonic Care Community of NY. She was a grand lady in so many ways. Born in Utica on January 19, 1919, Yolanda was the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Leonard) DePastina. She was raised and educated locally. On November 22, 1943 she married Fred Sisti, the “love of her life” with whom she shared 29 years prior to his passing in April of 1973. Their marriage was filled with love, happiness, and deep devotion to one another. Yolanda worked for the Utica City School District in the lunch program for many years, a job she enjoyed because of the children who won her heart. As the matriarch of her family, she was devoted to her children and grandchildren and was especially proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments. The boundless love for her family was apparent each and every day, and she always put her family’s needs before her own. She was and forever will be loved, adored, and respected by her children and grandchildren. She has enriched their lives in so many ways, and she will live on in each one of them. She was definitely one of the “best” that God ever created. As a gracious hostess, she really enjoyed entertaining, particularly during the holidays. She was an accomplished cook and baker, and her Sunday meals were ‘special’. Among her other attributes, she was a gifted seamstress and she had a love of music. Yolanda was an elegant lady, who lived her life with great style and grace, a woman who touched many lives along the way with her acts of kindness. The memory of her mom, dad, and sister, Roseanne, held a special place in her heart. She was a very devout and faithful parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Yolanda is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Gregory DeMetri of New Hartford, Cathy Tomaselli and Mike Howe of Utica, and Gail and Michael Fontana of New Hartford; and her grandchildren, Gregg and Olga DeMetri of Houston, TX, Nicole and Johan Tomaselli-Nordbrandt of Blackwood, NJ, Fred Tomaselli of San Diego, CA, and Alison and Dan Fontana of New Hartford. Survivors also include her brother, Frank A. DePastene; her sisters and brother-in-law, Terry Rizzo, Mitzie and John DePerno, and Lucy Marino; many close nieces and nephews; her in-laws, Rose Brindisi, Mary and Tony Perta, Fay Policelli, Gloria and Frank Zammiello, and Bob and Ginny Sisti. She also leaves behind several very special friends. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Roseanne and Dean Perta; her sister-in-law, Florence DePastene; her brothers-in-law, Bill Rizzo, and Tony Marino; and many other in-laws. The family extends a special heartfelt thank you to the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff of the Westchester unit of the Masonic Care Community of NY. “Words cannot express our gratitude to you for the care, compassion, and love you provided to our mom. We will forever be grateful to you.” Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Yolanda’s funeral service will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Yolanda M. (DePastina) Sisti

January 19, 1919 - March 3, 2008