Obituary for Yolanda (Cardaropoli) Olinkiewicz
Yolanda M. (Cardaropoli) Olinkiewicz, 86, of Ludlow passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 27th, 2011, in the presence of her loving family. Known affectionately as “Yola” by those close to her, she was born on October 6, 1924 in Springfield to the late Alphonse and Anna (Danise) Cardaropoli. Her mother died when she was 4 years old, and her father returned to his home country of Italy and eventually was remarried to Anna’s sister Giovanna. Yolanda had 3 sisters and 2 brothers. She and her family grew up during the hard times of the Great Depression, and although those early years were difficult for her, she always looked back on those days with special fondness. For Yolanda, the difficult economic times were diminished by her precious childhood memories of growing up in a simpler era. In 1947, at the age of 22, she married the late Michael Olinkiewicz Jr. The two settled in Ludlow where they raised 2 daughters and enjoyed a loving marriage of 60 years. Yolanda had a kind heart. She was a person of strong faith and always trusted in the Lord for guidance and direction in her life. She was an avid dancer, and for many years, on Sundays, she could always be found Polish dancing with her friends at the Polish American Citizens Club in South Hadley or at Pulaski Park in Three Rivers. She also enjoyed traveling, cooking, and shopping. She had a soft spot in her heart for animals. In general, any activity that allowed Yolanda to be close to the people and things she loved made her happy. She was a constant source of strength, wisdom, and inspiration for her children and grandchildren, and always will be. She was free-spirited and lived her life to the fullest, doing all the things that brought her joy. Sadly, her final 2 years were tainted by complications from a medical procedure, yet she fought every set back with fierce courage and strength that was unique to her, and in a way that will forever inspire all those who walked this heartbreaking final journey with her. She will live on forever in the hearts and minds of all those whose lives she touched and brightened in her own special way. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted daughters, Donna Mickiewicz, of Wilbraham, and Dale Bossie, of North Carolina; beloved grandson Jared; granddaughter Alana; 2 brothers, Ralph Cardaropoli and his wife Jean, of Springfield, and James Cardaropoli and his wife Joan, of Agawam, as well as several nieces and nephews. Also left behind are her dear friends Paul and Lois Ganieany, who were very special people in her life. There are no calling hours. Funeral services and burial are private and at the convenience of the family. Ludlow Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Read More
To plant a tree in memory of Yolanda (Cardaropoli) Olinkiewicz, visit the Tribute Store.
Loading...
