Dorothy Petrella
Dorothy Petrella
Obituary
Guest Book
Dorothy Petrella Obituary
Dorothy was preceded in death by her loving husband Ralph, and her brothers William Free and Richard Free and her sister Marie Margaret. She is survived by her children Patricia, Ralph (Mary), Janice, and Gail (Tim), seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Dorothy was born on May 26, 1930, in Chicago to William and Vera Free. She married Ralph on April 15, 1950, and they celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary together on April 15, 2024.
Dorothy's life was a shining example of love, acceptance, and loyalty. She welcomed all her children's friends into her home, feeding and housing them as if they were her own children.
She was a skilled cook and a talented and creative seamstress. She was a great bowler. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, game shows and reading the newspaper daily.
Dorothy will always be remembered for her big heart, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family. Her presence brought immeasurable joy, and her memory will forever warm the hearts of all who knew her.
Special thanks to the staff at Golden Empire for their comfort, care, and support during Dorothy's final days.
The family will be holding a private memorial.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Dorothy Petrella's name
How to support Dorothy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dorothy Petrella's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
