"Raelene...You are in our thoughts and prayers and in our hearts always! Growing up as kids together you wore your heart on your sleeve and always made others laugh. Your smile lite up the sky! I never knew anyone like you who always held such a positive attitude no matter what cards were dealt in life. You were always an inspiration to me and our little talks growing up through life.! You are now with the Angels watching over us! We love you! Marisa"
In loving memory of
Raelene Marie (Vito) DiFranco
November 22, 1965 - October 13, 2022
Raelene Marie (Vito) DiFranco
Raelene was called home to be with the Lord, October 13, 2022. She had been fighting a courageous battle with cancer since 2019. She is predeceased by her daughter, Alyssa Rose DiFranco; maternal grandparents, Rose Buonomo & James Del Signore; paternal grandparents, Anthony & Mary Vito, & special friends, John & Joan Sadler, & Joanne DeWolf. Raelene is survived by her daughter, Danielle (Kevin) Childs; parents, Raymond & Madeline Vito; sister, Loreen Vito; aunts, Phyllis Parker & Patricia Vito; several cousins & dear friends.
Raelene loved spending time with her family. She loved music and enjoyed various crafts.
Special thanks to the Isaiah House Hospice, Chaplin Andrew Shephard and the staff that cared for Raelene. Their combined efforts helped her through one of the hardest parts of her life-death struggle helping her to find everlasting peace.
Raelene's funeral services will be celebrated, Friday, July 28th, 11 AM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Isaiah House, 71 Prince St., Rochester, NY 14605, or to your favorite charity in her memory.
Remembering Raelene Marie DiFranco (Vito)
Raelene was a kind-hearted and generous person who really cared about people. Even with the struggles she faced in life, it was her nature to consider the needs of others first. She always took an interest in whomever she met.
Her parents, Ray and Madeline Vito brought her and her sister Loreen up in the Rochester area. She attended Kirk Rd Elementary and Athena High School. Raelene was very close with her younger sister Loreen who stayed by her through all the ups and downs of life. As a young person, she was also involved with Brownies and eventually with Girl Scouts. She loved animals and had many pets including Mindy the dog, precious the bird, bailey the hamster, and several cats.
She loved baking and cooking and always was looking for new recipes. She loved taking long walks, yoga, listening to music, camping, and spending time with her family (especially her Grandma Rose in Vegas!), but most of all she really enjoyed making crafts with her best friend Joanne. They often spent hours creating decorative pillows, candles, and Christmas ornaments among many other things. You'd usually hear Raelene listening to gospel or country music. She also enjoyed Disney movies (especially Winnie the Pooh) and looked forward to the holiday season to watch the movie, Elf.
Raelene lost her first-born daughter Alyssa in 1992. She was in turn blessed with her daughter Danielle in 1993 with whom she had a very special bond. She had so much joy when talking about her. Raelene loved Winnie the Pooh so much that "Pooh" became Danielle's nickname (which of course she didn't like as much during her teenage years!). She often left Danielle singing voicemails - You Are My Sunshine; My Girl and You Are So Beautiful. When Danielle got her own dog, she would bring Milo (Raelene's "grand fur-pup") to visit her often, which she loved.
Because taking care of people came naturally, Raelene worked as a Home Health Aid. She was so loving and caring and this was evident in her work.
Raelene struggled throughout her life with mental illness which was always at the forefront of how she tried to help others. It was important for her to use her experiences to help others and made such an impact on so many who battled similar problems. Her friends at Isaiah House where she spent her last days were also impacted by her. Raelene had a big heart and all who knew her well will miss her benevolent and compassionate ways. Our Lord has gained one very special "angel" when he called Raelene home.
Tributes
"DEAR MR & MRS VITO, (sister) LOREEN & FAMILY. Ever since I was a child, you always made me feel @ home! I never really understood death but what I do believe is this: Raelene was like a guardian angle sent from heaven! She was a very special, loving, nurturing, kind person who had a huge heart. She always put others needs ahead of her own. God called upon her in his time of need to set an example to others using these special gifts on her new journey to a happier life! Unfortunately, Raelene was dealt a very difficult hand in this life with many obstacles to endure & now is entering a whole new life! She will call upon us when our time is up. I believe Raelene is watching over us all especially her parents & loving sister LOREEN who has always been there for her throughout it all until we see her again?. I LOVE YOU ALL!! ROBIN "
"Raelene, you were always smiling, ever since high school. I'll never forget you! Rest in peace, dear friend."
"I will always remember the moments I spent with Rae at Isaiah House. Every time I saw her, she showed so much consideration for me; her eyes sparkled when she encouraged me to do the things I love and in that way she always made me feel beautiful. She often talked about her parents, sister Lori, and daughter with the same care. I?m forever grateful to know someone who, despite all the turbulence of life, glittered with gratitude. "
"Mr & Mrs Vito , Lori Vito I m very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May the Lord comfort you during this very difficult time. Sincerely Ben Borrelli "
"Praying for comfort and peace for Raelene's family. Love to all of you from your cousins Rosanne and Jim"
"My condolences to her dear family. She gave her best & will be missed by those who loved her. I am so sorry for their loss."