Jacqueline I. Yafanaro

With broken hearts but enduring hope, we announce the passing

of our beloved Jackie Yafanaro, who went home to be with the

Lord on May 10, 2025, after a life bravely lived with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

In her 38 years, Jackie lived a fuller and more impactful life than many

experience in a lifetime. She was a deeply loved daughter, sister,

granddaughter, niece, cousin, aunt, and friend. Jackie was independent,

silly, stubborn, compassionate, and fiercely determined- full of light

and life in every way.

Her faith was her foundation, giving her the strength to rise above every

challenge and embrace life with unwavering determination. She had a heart

bigger than words can express and a spirit that didn’t understand the word “quit”.

Jackie made the most of every moment and had a gift for lighting up even the

darkest days with her sharp wit, infectious laughter, and radiant presence.

To her, family was everything and she loved each of us completely.

She held her parents especially close to her heart, always grateful for their

devotion, care, and strength. Her siblings and extended family were her constant

support, but it was her niece who held a uniquely cherished place in her heart.

 Their bond was special, full of laughter, love, and purpose.

A gifted writer and a woman with a message, Jackie authored Gold:

The Lord is My Light, a testament to her enduring faith and her desire to

share God’s presence with others. Through her writing, as through her life, she

reminded us that hope is never out of reach.

Our family is deeply grateful to the compassionate doctors, nurses,

and caregivers at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital who

supported her with such dedication and kindness throughout her life.

A special thank you goes to Dr. Michael Dell, whose care and friendship

meant the world to Jackie. He wasn’t just her doctor- he was someone

Jackie truly trusted, admired, and considered a friend. Your care gave

her time- a gift we will always treasure. 

She is survived by her parents Thomas and Michele “Shellie” (nee Marciano);

devoted sister of Jason (Gracia) and Kristen Catrina (Alin); dear aunt of

Mirabelle Catrina; beloved granddaughter of Joe and Dorothy Marciano ,

(nee Gammiere) (both deceased) and Lois Yafanaro, Lou Yafanaro (deceased)

and Betty Yafanaro.  Her love, her laughter, and her legacy will live

on in all of us.   

Services and  Interment  will be private, celebrating her extraordinary life and faith… 

The family will receive friends at The Vitantonio-Previte Funeral Home

2110 Murray Hill Rd. Cleveland, Tuesday 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

Though we mourn her loss, we rejoice in knowing she is now whole and free,

embraced in the arms of her Savior. She lived with purpose, she loved with her

whole heart, and she left behind a legacy of grace, strength, and light. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”

– 2 Timothy 4:7

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jacqueline I. Yafanaro, please visit our floral store.