Gilda Pace Burrelli

Gilda Pace Burrelli

Gilda Pace Burrelli (Borrelli), 89, of Erie, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Hamot Medical Center.

She was born March 4, 1928 in Pratola Peligna, Italy, a daughter of the late Giovanni and Carmella Bianchi Pace. She had lived in Erie most of her life.

She had worked as the head cook at Fredrico's Port of Call and as a seamstress for her uncle, Bianchi Tayloring. She was an avid gardener.

We were never very good at goodbyes…they typically lasted longer than the visit, and usually ended with her standing outside at the end of the street blowing kisses as we drove away. There is just never enough time with the people you love..is there? Last night, we had to say goodbye to my grandmother, Gilda Burrelli (or is it Borrelli, family joke). Everyone who met her; fell in love. She was THE ITALIAN matriarch. She was generous, empathetic, hard-working, wise; but also stubborn (must be who I take after), and strong-willed. Try telling her you are not hungry…Did I mention an amazing cook! She was one-of-a-kind. So it is with an incredibly heavy heart, but relief knowing she is in peace, that we say; Ciao, Nonna. We love you, and miss you already.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Vincent A. Burrelli (Borrelli), a brother, Serafino Pace; and two sisters, Consolina DiMatia and Maria Pace.

She is survived by two daughters, Mary P. Marucci (Fred) and Dona C. Ferko (Michael); one son, Anthony V. Borrelli, all of Erie; and one sister, Gemma Falcchio, San Jose, CA; four grandchildren, Michael Ferko (Shelia), Anthony Marucci (Lorna), Jessica Dyleski (Paul, Jr.), and Vincent Marucci. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Wednesday from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. and are invited to a Funeral Mass on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul RC Church, 1617 Walnut Street. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.