Obituary of Irene Doris Cifelli

Irene D. "Dolly" Cifelli, 93, of Conneaut, passed away Monday, September 16, 2019 at UH- Geauga Hospital. Born December 29, 1925, in Ashtabula, Ohio she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Rose (Ray) Vincenzo. A lifelong area resident, she married Anthony Cifelli on November 26, 1967. Dolly was a longtime member of Corpus Christi Parrish, St. Francis Cabrini. She was a perfectionist and master of detail who prided herself on her appearance. Dolly was always dressed to the nines and enjoyed anything that sparkled, high heels even into her late 80's, and the single dangly earring she always wore. People that didn't know Irene personally, often noticed and recognized her because of her outward beauty and flare, but friends and family know that the outward appearance matched her heart. She had the biggest heart, never said an ill word of anyone, always took the high road, cared deeply for others and went out of her way to make everyone feel warm and welcomed in her home. Mrs. Cifelli enjoyed cooking and baking. A true Italian, she fed everyone that walked through the door. An outstanding baker, her family will miss her cakes, pizzelles, special holiday cookies, as well as the famous pizza that she and her husband always made. She will be remembered for her sweetness of spirit, kindness to others, her generous nature, unconditional love of family and friends, and her love of God. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Anthony; daughters, Paula Raffenaud of Ashtabula, Michele (Alan) Ward of Painesville; grandchildren, Jason (Jennifer) Raffenaud, Alan (Tacy Dooley) Ward, Chelsea (Mike) Palubiak; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Nicolas, Collette, Hayden, AJ, and Mia; brothers, Don Vincenzo and Joseph Vincenzo, Jr.; many in-laws; and her special friends the entire Joslin Family, but especially Dawn and JJ Eaton and their children, Claire, Bradley, Drew, and Alice. Dolly was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Matrisciano; brother, Anthony Robert "Bob" Vincenzo; and her parents. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 23rd at 4:00 pm at Mt. Carmel Church, 2100 E. 21st St, Ashtabula with Rev. Fr. Raymond Thomas, presiding. Visitation and viewing at the church will be held from 2-4 pm followed by the funeral mass. Contributions in her honor to Hospice of the Western Reserve would be appreciated. She loved her "Hospice friends" as she called them. Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com