Carmella Dorothy Fornabaio

RALEIGH - Carmella Dorothy Fornabaio, 85, entered into heaven from Wake Medical Center in Raleigh on Friday, February 18, 2022, while listening to her favorite music, surrounded by family and love from around the world. It is believed she stopped at the top of Mount Everest along the way home. ‘Mella! was born in Yonkers, NY on July 12, 1936, to the late Margaret “Toddy” Blundy and Nicholas Filomena. She spent her childhood in Ticonderoga before moving back to Yonkers and forging her way. She worked in many different professions over her lifetime including nanny, factory worker, and up to Credit Manager at Cosmetically Yours, and Office Manager at Asta financial credit and collection corporation. She was the beloved wife of her husband of 66 years, Dominick “Gushy” Fornabaio, Jr. Together they built a life full of family, love, laughs, mishaps, adventure, dancing, as much macaroni and deserts as possible, and strong faith in God. She was the much-loved matriarch and treasured best friend and mentor to daughter, Camille Fornabaio; sons, Wayne Fornabaio and wife, Maureen, Dominick “Dee” Fornabaio and wife, Laura; grandchildren, Melissa, Dominick, Lauren, Wayne, Brandon, Brian, Brittany, Leanna, Dominique; great-grandchildren, Lucas and Lorenzo -all will continue to say “Hi Grandma!” to her up in heaven. “Honey” (as she was affectionately known by family) is survived by her brothers, William Filomena and Louis Filomena whose recent visits she enjoyed; her sister-in-law, Olga Fornabaio; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her sister, Alicia Varian. Carmella was a strong, determined woman known for her quick wit, famous one-liners, riddles, and priceless advice. She had a big heart and always welcomed people into her home and took a genuine interest in learning about everyone. She loved Jesus, her family, animals, cooking up a new recipe, Bloody Marys, shopping, word games, card games, and a good argument. She was a multi-time 31 champion. She was a legend. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 25, 2022, at Saint Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church in Raleigh. The service will be live-streamed at https://www.saintraphael.org/carmella-fornabaio or click the "Watch Event" tab located at the bottom of this obituary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carmella’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research by visiting www.michaeljfox.org/donate. Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com