Fortuna A. Roda

Fortuna A. Roda, 89, of Tennessee, formerly of Brooks Rd., Meadville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Fortuna was born in Taurianova, Italy on February 11, 1928, a daughter of the late Antonino and Carmela (Sigilli) Colella.

On June 24, 1951 she married Bruno Roda; he preceded her in death on March 8, 1998.

While living in Meadville, she was a member of St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church. Fortuna's faith in God was unwavering and prayer was very important to her.

Fortuna was born, raised and married in Italy. At the age of 26 she and her daughter, Italia, came to the U.S. to join her husband who had immigrated to the U.S. 18 months prior. Together they proudly became U.S. citizens but never lost contact or love of their old country; visiting their family and friends in Italy often. For many years she was employed by the former Sandalini's Restaurant where she and her husband prepared the Italian food. Fortuna was a very loving, faithful and devoted wife, working along side her husband whether they were making wine, gardening, raising animals or building something. She was equally devoted to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a green thumb and loved growing plants and fresh vegetables from seed. She had a true passion and talent for cooking. She loved to cook for and serve others and she spent a life-time doing so. She also enjoyed making Italian cookies, knitting, crocheting and sharing memories.

Fortuna is survived by three daughters Italia "Lia" Rowland and her husband Ray of Milton, TN, Stella Hahn and her husband Rick of Sparta, TN, Eleonora Morris of Meadville, six grandchildren Antonio "Tony" Rowland and his wife Angela of Springfield, TN, Roda Ferraro-English and her husband Robert "Judd" of Lexington, KY, Jason Morris and his fiance' Amber of Meadville, Nina Hanson and her husband Richard of Milton, TN, Danielle DuPont and her husband Chad of Meadville, Stephanie Ferraro-Walker and her husband Kyle of Guilford, CT, twelve great grandchildren Angelina "Lina" Marie, Anthony Bruno, Emma Marie, Savanah Danielle, James Richard, Dominic Douglas, James Anthony, John David, Rosemary Mae, Vincenzo James Anthony, twins Lydia Elise and Laina Marie, two brothers Guido Colella of Nashville, TN, Reginaldo "Aldo" Colella and his wife Theresa of Saegertown, a sister Italia Colella Lentini of Taurianova, Italy, several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Bruno, of 46 years, Fortuna was preceded in death by a great granddaughter Nina Marie DiSanti, a great grandson Leo James DuPont, a son-in-law James Anthony Morris, two brothers Vincenzo Colella, Franco Colella and a sister Maria Colella.

Family and friends are invited to call from 1-5 PM on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, where a scripture service will be held at 4:30 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville, with Fr. Tom Trocchio, Parochial Vicar, officiating.

Fortuna will be laid to rest by her husband in St. Brigid Cemetery, West Mead Twp.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com