Barbara Yolda

DANIELSON, CT - Barbara L. Gallant Yolda, 59, of John St., died Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, John A. Yolda of Danielson, CT, who she married on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2004; two children, Tanyalee J. Gallant-Smith of Southbridge, and Richard C. Smith and his wife Justine P. Smith of North Brookfield; three brothers, David Gallant of North Oxford, Mark Gallant of Spencer, and Danny Gallant of Rochdale; two sisters, Charlene Sampson and Cynthia Orrell, both of Rochdale; her parents, Steven and Evangeline (MacQuarie) Gallant of Rochdale; two granddaughters, Lily A. Smith and Chloe L. Smith; and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by a brother, Steven Gallant II. She was born in Southbridge, and lived in Rochdale before moving to Danielson, CT, in 1999. She attended Leicester Public Schools and became a L.P.N. at the Penobscot Nursing School in Maine. Mrs. Yolda worked with her husband at their family-owned business. Throughout her life, she had various occupations, but always found private duty nursing to be the most rewarding. Mrs. Yolda loved to sew, designed many gowns, and enjoyed landscaping. She was proud to have attained the highest rank in Girl Scouts and remained a leader for many years. She loved princesses, holidays, and dressing up, and enjoyed celebrating with her family and friends. A funeral will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, from Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 12:15 p.m. at St. James Church, 12 Franklin St., Danielson CT. Please gather at the funeral home between 10:30 - 11 a.m. if you would like to join the procession to church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Danielson, CT. Calling hours are Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make donations to your local animal shelter in honor of Barbara.