Yolanda T. Vura

Yolanda T. "Yoli" Vura was born March 14, 1925, in Wooster, and was united with her Heavenly Father and Savior on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. Upon her passing, Yoli was reunited with her beloved husband, Samuel A. "Sam" Vura, who preceded her to Heaven on Feb. 18, 1993. Yoli and Sam were first generation Americans who grew up during the Great Depression and World War II -- events that helped to form their life core values of education, hard work, determination and persistence. Married on Oct. 27, 1945, Yoli and Sam raised 10 children upon whom they instilled those values. After a significant number of her children had become teenagers, Yoli worked part-time at a local department store. Later she graduated from cosmetology school and opened an "in her home" beauty salon from which she conducted business and made new friends for many years. A devout Roman Catholic, Yoli was a lifelong member of Saint Mary's Parish in Wooster. She enjoyed singing with family and friends as a member of the church choir. In her beautiful alto voice, she sang praises to her Heavenly Father. Surviving are children, Ron Vura and his wife, Susan; Catherine Burden, Sam Vura and his wife, Joyce; Ed Vura, Diane Vura, Tom Vura, Bob Vura and his wife, Julie; John Vura and his wife, Wendy; David Vura and his wife, Olga; Mary Devereaux and her husband, Bob; 24 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and many great-great-grandchildren. Yoli was preceded in death by her parents, Pasquale "Charles" and Catherine Chirillo Yankello; siblings, Leonora Iannarelli, Elvira Noletti, John Yankello, Adeline Vura and Mary Delmont; and a granddaughter, Bonnie Troyer. Yoli is among the very last of the first generation Italians who predominantly grew up and lived their lives in Wooster's "little Italy." Yoli and Sam faced and conquered adversity through hard work, determination and a firm faith in God. They had little, but provided much. A Rosary was recited Thursday, June 26, followed by visitation at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated today (Friday), June 27 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster, with the Rev. Stephen Moran as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Lane, Sandusky 44870; or Alzheimer's Association, 70 W. Streetsboro St., Suite 201, Hudson 44236.