Nellie P. Barretta

Nellie Pandolf Barretta, 98, of Casselberry, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2023. She was born in Utica, NY, on April 4, 1924. Nellie graduated from Proctor High School in Utica. She married Louis Barretta on July 19, 1947, and they celebrated their 75th anniversary last July. Nellie was a homemaker and a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was everything to her. She was a wonderful hostess and always made everyone feel at home. While their two daughters were growing up, they loved going on fun family vacations, hosting family parties and attending all of their daughters’ events. Once the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, they continued the tradition. Nellie loved cooking for her family, especially her famous lasagna. Her favorite time was being with her family, shopping for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and playing cards with her family and friends. She was always willing to help anyone. She never met a stranger because she would stop and talk to everyone! She was an excellent crafter and made intricate shell mirrors, and many decoupage, macrame, and quilling projects. Nellie was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church where she enjoyed her time as a volunteer in their office. She was also a member of the Italian-American Club. As a senior at Proctor High School in 1942, she was proud to have her photo in the newspaper for being one of the first women to wear slacks.

Nellie had a wonderfully long and well-lived life. Her family is so very grateful to have had her with them for so long. She built a legacy that will live on in her family because of her love, positivity, strength, and faith. She is survived by her husband Louis; daughters, Karen (George) Chandler and Barbara (Jim) Duquette; grandchildren, Kelly (Asher) Decker, George (Becca) Chandler IV, Eric Chandler, and Jason Duquette; great-grandchildren, Conner Decker, Brayden Decker, and Maddie Decker; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Carmella Pandolf, Jane Zizzi, Mamie Meyer and brother, Mike Pandolf.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful teams at Certus Senior Living at Waterford and Cornerstone Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Nellie during her time with them.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the viewing on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 5:00-8:00pm at Baldwin-Fairchild/Goldenrod at 7520 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 10:00am at St. Stephen Catholic Church at 575 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs, FL 32708.