 Antoinette Sedita Patronella, 78 years young, passed from this world on Friday, the 4th of July 2014, in Houston.
Antoinette was born in Houston on the 5th of September 1935, to Domenic J. Sedita and Lena Fasullo Sedita. She was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband of 53 years, Charles W. Patronella; her beloved grandson, Justin A. Patronella; and her in-laws Anthony J. Patronella and Carrie Brocco Patronella.
Antoinette was the epitome of style and grace. Although beautiful on the outside, it was her inner beauty that burnished brighter than anything else. For anyone who knew Antoinette, it was her genuineness that they noticed. Even in illness, she always looked like a ""million dollars."" She had many titles during her life. First and foremost was ""saint"" for having the strength, dedication and self-sacrifice to nurture and guide four very active boys, and a husband full of ""spirit"" and adventure. Second, was ""Queen of the Malls,"" for her prowess in being seen in the latest fashions was legendary. However, the title she treasured and cherished most was being called ""Mother.""
Antoinette was an incredible mother to her four sons and then to her precious daughters-in-law. For anyone who truly knew Antoinette, she always put her children's needs before her own. She was the most selfless, loving mother a child could ask for. Her attentive and supportive family, along with her strong faith in God, is what carried her through illness after illness from the very beginning of her life to the end. But through all of her setbacks, she showed amazing resolve, a fighting spirit and a will to survive no matter how difficult the challenge. Her love of family and being together as one is what truly made her feel alive and happy.
Antoinette is survived by her four sons and their wives, Anthony J. Patronella, II and his wife Mary Sue, Dr. Christopher K. Patronella and his wife Rosanne, Mark D. Patronella and his wife Maureen, Michael B. Patronella and his wife Dr. Allyson Patronella; as well as her sister and best friend, Vita Palermo; brother, Sammy Sedita and his wife Jeanette; her three nieces, Mary Ann Bankston, Lanette Loverde and Judy Halbert; and two nephews, Steve Palermo and Greg Palermo. She is also survived by her eleven grandchildren, Kecia Parker and her husband Zach, Michelle, Brittany Elliott and her husband Marc, Christopher Jr., Nicholas and his wife Melissa, Anthony III ""Trey,"" Gabriella, Domenic, Damian, Rachel and Vanessa Patronella; as well as her four great-grandchildren, Avery and Dean Elliott, Sloan and Wren Parker; and her brother-in-law, Dr. Jerry Loving and his wife Arlene.
Antoinette's incredible life journey, which sadly ended on the 4th of July, is so fitting, as she lit up the night sky brighter than any fireworks ever could. Mom was equally comfortable whether attending a formal affair or working the concession stand at the Little League serving snow-cones and hot dogs. Mom graduated from Blessed Sacrament School and Incarnate Word Academy and was very involved in numerous Italian cultural and religious organizations including; The Amiketos Club, Donne di Domani, The Italian Federation, St. Thomas Mother's Club, The Ladies of Sacred Heart, as well as a parishioner of Queen of Peace, St. Christopher and St. Michael Catholic Churches during different parts of her life. The time, energy and heart she put into these organizations gave her a tremendous amount of pride and self-esteem. It was through these varied affiliations that she made many lifelong friendships which brought her an immense amount of joy, comfort and pleasure.
Her faith in God attracted her to several Bible study groups, as well as the Catholic Charismatic Movement. It was during this time that our mother grew spiritually and developed the deep relationship with the Holy Spirit that carried and lifted her up through the lowest valleys, as well as the highest peaks in her life. Her thanks and praise of God, no matter the circumstance, is what always resided within her.
The family wishes to extend a note of thanks to her compassionate caregiver Ada Cedillo, who loved Antoinette like her own mother. Also, a special thank you to her generous and steadfast daughter-in-law, Rosanne, who opened her home and took fantastic care of her during the last part of her life.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from two o'clock this afternoon until eight o'clock this evening, Sunday, the 13th of July, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the Rosary is to commence at three o'clock, and scripture readings at half-past six o'clock, led by her cousin, Deacon Louis Provenzano, with family eulogies to follow.
A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o'clock in the morning on Monday, the 14th of July, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Douglas J. Guthrie, Pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Roy Oggero, the Rev. Patrick Fulton, the Rev. Albert Gaelens, and Deacon Louis Provenzano are to celebrate. Honored to serve as pallbearers during Monday's services are her Godson, Steve Palermo; nephew, Mike Bankston; her grandchildren, Christopher K. Patronella, Jr., Nicholas C. Patronella, Anthony J. ""Trey"" Patronella, III, Domenic M. Patronella, Damian C. Patronella; and nephew, Greg Palermo.
The Rite of Committal is to immediately follow, via an escorted cortège, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.
Following the services, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Community Center of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 3011 Telephone Road in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in her name be directed to The 4500 Forever Capital Campaign at St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX, 77007; and/or to her alma mater, Incarnate Word Academy, 609 Crawford Street, Houston, TX, 77002.
""Mom, you left an incredible legacy for us to emulate and follow. The road that lies ahead will not have you here physically with us, but we have the strength and comfort in knowing the directions you left us (through your constant love and guidance) will lead us on our journeys. You were, are, and always will be in our collective hearts and minds. WE LOVE YOU!""
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Published in Houston Chronicle from July 9 to July 13, 2014
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