Matilda 'Tillie' Rana Iandoli

STERLING – Matilda "Tillie" Rana Iandoli, 80, formerly of Wiles Rd., died peacefully on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 under the loving care of her family and the staff at the Golden Living Center in Fitchburg, after a long illness. The daughter of James V. and Genevieve (Demuro) Iandoli, she was born and raised in Worcester where she attended Commerce High School.

Tillie was married at the age of 18 and raised two loving sons, Aldo and Ronald Rana while attending David Fanning Trade High School for nursing. After graduating, she began her career as a licensed practical nurse at Worcester City Hospital where she worked for many years and received the designation as a licensed graduate nurse. In 1976, Tillie purchased the Village Rest Home in Leominster where she continued her mission of nursing and caring for the elderly for over 25 years as the owner and manager. Today, the rest home continues to be family owned and operated.

Throughout Tillie's life, she made many lifetime friends and was passionate about sharing the "Good News" with everyone she met. She was a member of the Redemption Rock Church in Westminster where she served in many groups and fellowships, and was also a past president of the former "West Boylston Lionesses". She will be remembered for her gentle kindness, generosity and selfless nature by giving love, time and energy through sharing her many talents including singing and playing the piano. Tillie loved vacationing on Cape Cod where she felt close to heaven.

Tillie leaves her two sons, Aldo Rana and his wife Dona of Florida and Ronald Rana and his wife Linda of Sterling; her sister, Rose (Iandoli) Gridich of Shrewsbury; 6 grandchildren, Tricia Rana and her fiancé Michael Finkelstein, Brandon Rana and his fiancée Kristina Berner, Ryan Rana, Dina (Pozzessere) Watson and her husband Jeff, Keith Pozzessere, Stacey Desroches; 5 great grandchildren, Michael J. Wheeler, Jr., Danny Whitney, Jr., Jeffrey Watson, Jackson Rana and Emerie Finkelstein; a sister-in-law, Caroline Iandoli of Charlton, wife of Tillie's predeceased brother, Carmen Iandoli; and 3 nephews. She is predeceased by a grandson, Danny Whitney. She will also be remembered for her unconditional love and will be greatly missed by all her loving grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 12th at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. Immediately following calling hours at 3 p.m., a "Remembrance Service and Celebration of Tillie's Life" will be held at the funeral home with Pastor Thomas Morin officiating. In honor of Tillie's wishes, donations may be made to the Redemption Rock Church, 3 Hager Park Rd., Westminster, MA 01473.

To share a memory or express a condolence please visit: www.milesfuneralhome.com