Obituary of Calogera Vella

Calogera Vella, 97, formerly of 36 Prospect Street, died Friday July 3, 2020, in Heritage Park Rehab and Skilled Nursing. She was born October 18, 1922, in Marianopoli, Sicily, Italy, a daughter of the late Giuseppe and Maria Lombardo Riggi. She and her husband came to America in 1962 in search of a better life. They settled on Derby Street in Jamestown, part of what is now known as the Lost Neighborhood and made a life there with family and friends. Carrie, as she was known, didn't speak much English and never learned to drive a car. She walked everywhere she went. She was a faithful wife and mother with a heart of gold. Her family was what she lived for. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she spent as much time as she could with them. She loved to make homemade sauce for her Sunday dinners with family and friends. Many enjoyed her homemade bread and Sicilian pizza as well. Prior to her retirement she was employed by Sanitary Wiping Cloth Company and earlier had worked for Art Metal, Inc. Having learned some masseuse training from her mother, Carrie was able to help many with her strong hands and tender heart. She never accepted monetary payment, but did not refuse gifts such as pasta, wine and "verdura." The Lord gave Carrie the gift of "helps." As a member of St. James Catholic Church, she was involved in the Altar and Rosary Society and was always ready to help with the St. Joseph's Table and Italian Festival making fried dough. In later years she attended New Hope Community Church where she was also very helpful in any way she could. Surviving are a daughter Grace (Gregory) Streed of Jamestown; two grandchildren Kristina (David) Stainbrook of Erie, PA and Michael Streed of Jamestown; three beautiful great granddaughters Sicily Violet Stainbrook, Gia Grace Streed and Siena Noel Stainbrook; a brother Calogero Riggi of Sicily and numerous nieces and nephews both in Italy and the US. She was preceded in death by her husband Angelo Vella, whom she married March 2, 1941 and who died March 29, 1994; a brother Giovanni Riggi; brother in law Leonard Vella and sister in law Rosa Riggi. Due to the restriction of the pandemic, a private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Her son in law Rev. Gregory Streed, retired pastor, will officiate. Visitation will not be observed. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 6215 Sheridan Dr #100, Buffalo, NY 14221. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.