With great sadness, the family of Celia (Torelli) Troia, 88, of Johnston, announce that she entered into eternal life on 02/28/2022 surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was the beloved wife of Andrew Valentino Troia for 48 years before his passing in 2002.
Born in Providence, Celia was the daughter of the late Alessandro and Philomena (Iannotti) Torelli. She was a lifelong resident of Johnston. Celia was a self-employed hairdresser for 30 years. She was later employed by A.T. Cross in Lincoln, from where she retired.
Celia is survived by her two adoring and devoted daughters, Terese (Terry) Salzillo and her husband Arthur and Brenda-Lee Troia, with whom she lived, her sister Claire Cipriano, and her sister-in-law Marie Torelli. She was predeceased by her brothers Michael, Joseph and Alexander Torelli and her sister Florence Stern. She leaves behind her precious grandchildren Jordan Melei and his wife Kate, Jared Melei and his wife Samantha, Amanda Faella-Graves and her wife Melissa, and Caitlin Weakley and her husband Nicholas. She also leaves her cherished great-grandchildren Jack, Bryce, Lennon and Hudson Melei, and Thomas DiVito. Celia was surrounded by many fun-loving and crazy furry friends - her grandpups Ellie, Andie and Georgie, and her great-grandpups Waffle, Wandie, Winnie, Boo and “Grammy’s favorite” Zita. She was predeceased by her best friend and companion Chloe.
Celia was a kind, caring, and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who had the biggest heart. She was a great cook - making THE best Italian wedding soup and THE most delicious lasagna - and she enjoyed celebrating with her family at their many gatherings. Celia always enjoyed gardening and kept herself busy working in her yard. She enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, doing word search puzzles, and watching her favorite TV show, The Golden Girls. To her children, Celia was the wind beneath their wings – their hero. Her faith was evident throughout her life, forever upholding her strong belief in our heavenly Father. Celia’s display of unconditional kindness and love to those around her will always be remembered and treasured.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Rebecca Brown, Dr. Daniel Dragomire and the ‘North Team’ at HopeHealth Hospice and Palliative Care: Eerin Parente, Marylou Hazzard, Stephen Henry and Mark Dubord. They also wish to thank Lisa M, Renee D, and the care team at the Hulitar Hospice Center for keeping Celia comfortable during the final hours of her journey.
Respecting Celia’s wishes, visitation and burial will be private. In her memory, it would be wonderful for you to perform a random act of kindness that puts a smile on someone’s face!
Family and friends may attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am on Monday, March 7th at Our Lady of Grace Church, George Waterman Road in Johnston.
Donations in Celia’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org/donate/ or mailed to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital