Carolina Perrelli

carolina perrelli

September 20, 1944 ~ August 9, 2020


Resided in: Fremont, California

Carolina Perrelli, 75, entered into eternal rest on August 9th, 2020.  She courageously fought a many year-long battle with dementia.  Carolina was a resident of Fremont, California for nearly 40 years.

Carolina is survived by her loving children, Rose, Loretta, Carmine, Julie and Josie Perrelli, her grandchildren Emma and Riley Roffelesen, her son-in-law Randy Roffelsen, her brother Salvatore Greco, and many other loved ones in the United States, Italy, Australia, Canada and Argentina.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Perrelli and her brothers Mario, Eugene and Pasquale Greco.

Carolina was born near the small town of Castrolibero in southern Italy on September 20th, 1944 to Raffaele and Giulia (Turco) Greco.  She was the only girl and the middle child of five siblings.  As a young girl, Carolina would know of a local boy, Joseph Perrelli, who would emigrate to the United States but not forget about her back home in Italy.  They later corresponded by mail and a long-distance engagement came about.

In 1966, Carolina married Joseph in Italy and immigrated to the United States with him.  They settled in the Chicago area where they started their family.   In 1980, her husband Joseph had a tragic stroke which he survived but left him with a difficult paralysis.  Due to her husband’s ill health, in 1981 the family moved to Fremont California, where the milder weather was easier for the family.  Carolina was a devoted wife who took care of her ill husband for many years until his death in 1992.

Despite the trials of life, Carolina always had a beautiful and warm smile on her face.  Her heart and arms were open to everyone she met.  She loved her family and one of her favorite things in life was to have her family over to enjoy her big Italian dinners.   She loved all her children and they meant everything to her.

Carolina had a strong work ethic and tirelessly gave her whole heart to everything she did.  She was an amazing cook and enjoyed preparing delicious meals for her family and friends.  She loved her customers and co-workers at Safeway and as a special treat for her co-workers, she would bring her special pasta to work, for them to feast on and enjoy on their lunch break.  Making people happy was something very important to Carolina.  Her family, friends and co-workers were always close to her heart.

Carolina was an avid gardener and she enjoyed growing many types of vegetables and flowers in her garden.  She had the special talent of being able to make anything grow and flourish.  She would constantly amaze her children by being able to take a dead plant, or even a stick, and bring it back to life and into a growing and lovely plant.

Her smile, laughter and her love will be dearly missed by her family and everyone who knew her.

Due to current restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Mom loved to garden, so in honor of her we ask that you send a live plant or send a memorial donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Association: https://www.lbda.org.

 

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. CandleSpending our love, prayers, and condolences to the family
    Thank you for being such a wonderful neighbor who will be truly missed.

    God bless
    The Welch Family,
    Shelton, Jackie, Sydney

  2. CandleDear Perrelli Family, my deepest sympathy is offered during this time of loss. Your mother was a “becon of love and hospitality” as I saw her during my family (Jackie and Shelton) visits from Maryland. My God’s love, mercy and peace be upon you.

    • To the Perelli Family,
      May Carolina rest in God’s eternal peace and may you all be comforted by God’s eternal grace and love in this time of loss. Carolina was such a warm and loving person to all who encountered her that she will be sorely missed. Whether it was a bright smile, a gentle touch of her hand, or a kind word, she always made each person feel loved and welcomed. She was such a special person that she definitely left an impression on me, and that live is reflected by Rose snd Carmine. God Bless you!

      The Chin-DeCastro-Nuguid Family

  3. My sincere sympathy for the Perrelli family. I am a former co-worker of Carolina’s. She always made me laugh and my day brighter! Her giggle and smile will always be in my heart!

  4. CandleAlthough I never had the opportunity to meet Carolina, the kindness and generosity shown to me by Carmine I can only imagine is a wonderful reflection of him growing up with such an amazing role model and mother.

    My deepest of condolences to everyone. My heart hurts for all of you knowing what you’re going through and processing such a huge loss. May peace be with her, and in time I hope peace can find you all as well.

    With love,

    Jeffry

  5. CandleTo the Perrelli family…I know that this is a difficult time for all of you and how much you loved her. She was always such a kind person. Her smile was so welcoming and warm. This has been a long battle for her but you were so good to her. May the memories of all the wonderful family gatherings bring you comfort during your grieving. God has another angel with him.

  6. CandleHeaven has acquired another beautiful 👼 angel. Her loving smile and enormous kind heart will never be forgotten. Zia Lena rest in peace, without pain and without sorrow. My mother and uncle Joe are there to greet you and celebrate your life with you.

  7. I Will Never Forget Her Beautiful Smile & Laughter! She Would Always Bring Over Pies From Nations, Lasagna & Other Italian Pasta! This Amazing Lady Had A Heart Of Gold & Cared Deeply About Her Neighbors! Sending Love, Prayers & God’s Blessings To All The Family!

    The Herrera Family!

  8. CandleMrs. Perrelli was a loving and devoted wife and mom. I will her miss seeing her at the credit union picnic, her smile, and her kindness. The memory of your Mother will give you comfort, and her legacy will live through you all! Moms are special people, and I will pray for you and your family. God bless.

  9. CandleI’m so deeply sorry for your family’s loss. I know your mom put up a long, hard fight and and I’m sure your loving support, throughout her battle, made her fight that much harder. Carmine…thank you for letting me know your mom through your stories. I know she was an amazing woman and clearly raised you and your siblings to be kind, loving and caring. Rose, you and your sisters we’re her angels and now she is all of yours. May her soul rest peacefully, and may her spirit be ever present in all of your hearts and minds throughout your days. My warmest wishes for peace and God bless you all. Much love!

  10. I’d like to send my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your mom. I always enjoyed hearing the stories you shared about your family and your mom. She must have been proud of you and your accomplishments, and she will be missed. God bless you and your family.

  11. CandleI’m so very sorry. Your mom will always have a very special place in my heart as all of you do. Your mom was such a kind, loving woman. Her smile lit up the room and made everyone feel so loved. My heart hurts for all of you. She will be missed. Another angel in heaven to watch over you. I hope your fond memories of your mom & nonna will always bring a smile to your beautiful faces. Rest in peace Lena. Love you all.

  12. CandleGrowing up in Highland Park, IL with Carmine and his sisters, I remember visiting the Perrelli house and was always warmly greeted by Mrs. Perrelli, even when we acted up as kids. She was a very kind, calm, and patient mother even with the noise of many children around, including red faced loud children…

    Perrelli family, the Kamen family sends its condolences to you. Wishing you health and good memories during this difficult time.

    Love,

    Jon, Kristi, Ellie, and Ashley

  13. CandleI don’t know how to thank you.  I don’t know where to begin.  You brought into the world this incredible man I love with all my heart.  You raised him well, and what a special person he has become.  I want to thank you for giving me this amazing man with whom I share my life. Those special memories of you will always bring me smiles. If only I could have known you sooner, then we could sit down together and talk all day and night long. You were an amazing wife and mother.

    Carmine, sister Rose, Lori, Julie, and Jozee, my deepest sympathy is with you all in this time of loss. I pray that God will grant you strength. Please accept my most sincere condolences. I love you all!

  14. CandleFrom our family to yours, Sweet Caroline was a wonderful, loving and the best next door neighbor we ever could have ever asked for. She was always sending over yummy treats along with the warmest smile I had ever seen. It was super hard to move away and leave all our wonderful neighbors (especially Caroline knowing her illness would eventually send her on her way to heaven) when we moved two years ago but we knew between Carmine and Rosie she had the best care EVER… God Bless them both as their example of love was evident and visually seen everyday. We love you all and will lift you with Prayer to HIM for peace and comfort during this sad season. With our Love, Tim & Irene Ayres and family ❤️

  15. CandleWe are deeply sorry for your loss. Mrs. Perrelli was a wonderous neighbor, always so kind and generous to those around her. The joy and good memories she has brought to those around her will not be forgotten. May her spirit watch over you and your family from heaven. God bless you all.

    With love,
    the Li Family

  16. CandleOur thoughts and prayers are with you all. Though we are far apart we are thinking of you during this difficult time. We know she is at peace but I know it does not make it easier for you. She will be missed always. Rest in peace Zia Lena. We love you all. xoxo
    Zia Franca, Miscel and Giulia

  17. CandleOur deepest sympathies to Carolina’s family and friends. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time, Greco Family

  18. CandleRose,

    I am sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Know that I am praying for you during this time.

  19. Carolina was always fun to have at work at Safeway with us all. We loved her and her cute giggle!

    May she Rest In Peace

  20. CandleCarmine, Julie, Lorie, Rose, and Josie: I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. She was one of the most sweetest and generous people I have ever met. She was always very kind and welcoming and had a warm smile for anyone she met. I am glad to have known her. Love and prayers for all of you and may she rest in peace.

  21. CandleI will always remember her beautiful smile! Sending love and prayers to all of the Perrelli family.

  22. CandleSo sorry for your loss she was on amazing woman 🙏🏻🙏🏻Condolences to the family ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️

  23. My Condolences to you all. I used to love making Carolina laugh at work! Ah that giggle…she will always have a spot in my heart.

  24. CandleMy sincere condolences to you, your family and all who’s lives she helped shine.
    Forever in your heart ❤️🎶🦅

  25. CandleI remember the smile, the laugh, and the warmth. I reflect back on how she welcomed us into her home – just like family. My most sincere condolences. She will forever be in our hearts. With much love – Larry and Nicole

  26. We knew Carolina and she was the sweetest, most kind and generous person. We will miss her and say a prayer for her family.


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