Obituary of Yolanda DeStefano

Yolanda DeStefano of Victor and formerly of Honeoye Falls died suddenly at FF Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua on November 10, 2012 at age 79. She was born the daughter of Luigi and Elisa Rabauno D'Onofrio on March 24, 1933 in Benevento, Italy. The family mourns the loss of this incredibly strong woman. Her life was no an easy one. She grew up in a war torn country, her family life ravaged by all that happened. When a handsome American man caught her eye, history was all but written. She left her home in Benevento, Italy when she married Benjamin DeStefano in 1955 and came to Honeoye Falls to start a family of her own. She didn't speak any English, but was inspired by the lyrical music of Elvis Presley. Her happiness with Ben was short-lived as he died much too soon leaving her to raise seven children on her own. Through her incredible creativity and talent as a seamstress, she provided for her family. She showed her love through her cooking, a skill she taught all of her children. Her door was always open to extended family and friends. Rarely did a Sunday go by without sharing a meal with them. She was generous to a fault, giving without taking, never putting her needs ahead of anyone. Her family was her life, her pride and joy. They are comforted in the knowledge that she is no longer suffering and in the arms of her husband, her parents and siblings who left before her. She is a true hero in the eyes of her family. Yolanda was predeceased by her husband Benjamin, her parents Luigi and Elisa D'Onofrio, brothers Joseph and Dominic, sister Marguerite. She is survived by her children, Theresa (Peter) Mauer, Donna (Chris) Plain, Bernie (Cindy), Gina (Karl) Kase, Karen (Tim) Hartland, Sandy (Mason) DeStefano and Michele (Scott) Laughlin; 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; brother Tony D'Onofrio and sister Mary D'Onofrio; several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank her caregivers and a special thank you to Kariann Lemark. Friends may call Tuesday, November 13 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Merton H. Kays Funeral Home, Inc. 59 Monroe Street, Honeoye Falls. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday 11:30 am at St. Paul of the Cross Church, 37 Monroe St. Honeoye Falls. Burial St. Paul of the Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to CDR, Inc. 34 Castle St. Geneva, NY 14456 or the American Heart Assoc. 3500 Winton Place, Rochester, NY 14623.