Nora E. (Francis) Patella

Youngstown – Nora E. Patella, 100, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

Nora was born on August 31, 1925, in Brentwood, Essex, England, the eldest of seven children of Gordon Sr. and Edith (Buttling) Francis.

At just 16 years old, Nora courageously volunteered to serve in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women’s branch of the British Army, later incorporated into the Women’s Royal Army Corps. During World War II, she served as a lorry driver in Essex and spent several months in London during the Blitz, the intense eight-month bombing campaign by Nazi Germany. There, she bravely assisted as a first responder, tending to the wounded and caring for orphaned children.

During her service, Nora met the love of her life, Frank Nicholas Patella, a U.S. soldier. The couple married on October 20, 1943, and in 1946, Nora came to the United States as a British war bride, beginning a new chapter of her life devoted to family and home.

In recognition of her service, Nora was honored by the Northeast Ohio Women Veterans Unit 21 of Military Women Across the Nation with the 1939–1945 Star; the Defense Medal; and the War Medal 1939–1945. She also received a proclamation from Governor Mike DeWine.

Nora was a proud homemaker and the beloved matriarch of her family. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones and always placed them at the center of her life.

She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica and the Mothers of Crucifix Society. She was also active in several women veterans groups and enjoyed bowling in the Golden Girls Bowling League.

Nora found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved the outdoors—fishing, walking, and enjoying nature—and took special delight in feeding the deer in her backyard. She also treasured traveling with her family throughout the United States and to Canada.

Nora leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Gillian “Jill” Mastrogiuseppe and Mary Dutton; her five grandchildren, Annette (Michael) Dotson, Jeannette (Robert) Garland, Josette (Eric) Walker, Frank Dutton, and Deborah (Ed) Traficant; her five great-grandchildren, Todd (Emma) Garland, Jessica (John) Williams, Raina (Devin) Black, Brandon (Taralyn) Olmi, and Samuel Traficant; and her nine great-great-grandchildren, Aubri, Kylie, Kelsey, Kayden, Lincoln, Jackson, Sammy, Carter, and Norah. She was also eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first great-great-great-grandson, Zayden, expected in April. She is further survived by her brother, Peter (Jackie) Francis, and sister Deborah Boyce, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Frank, with whom she shared over 69 years of marriage until his passing on July 9, 2013; her brother, Gordon Francis Jr.; and her sisters, Audrey Francis and Margaret Lanston.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:50 p.m. at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m., officiated by the Very Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw, J.C.L., V.G.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Northeast Ohio Women Veterans; 3664 Brinkmore Road, Cleveland, OH 44121, in Nora’s memory.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Jennifer Baun for her love, care, and support shown to Nora throughout the years.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Nora’s family.

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