Obituary of Brenda Joyce Ferriolo

On Tuesday, May 15, 2018, Brenda “Joy” Ferriolo, born in Tell City, Indiana, on February 4, 1941, passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side at Memorial Regional Hospital South in Hollywood, Florida. Brenda had fought a 25+ year bout with Congestive Heart Failure. Brenda, a Mother, friend, and trusted counselor to many in her life, died only 4 short months after her husband of almost 45 years, Michael Ferriolo, whom she married August 22, 1973.

Brenda lived a diverse and full life of family, art, friends, teaching, and counseling others.  She attended the University of Indiana where she received a Masters Degree in Social Work.  After college, she traveled all over Europe and moved to Southern California, where she taught Middle School Math for a time.  She also worked as a Social Worker in California and met Michael at the VA Hospital of Long Beach.  Mrs. Ferriolo later moved with her family to South Florida, where she resided for the remaining 40 years of her life.  

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990 that metastasized to her liver.  She was given a very dire prognosis at that time.  She survived cancer and spent the rest of her years counseling and supporting women with Breast Cancer.  She helped organize and facilitate a Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support group that was based out of Memorial Hospital South in Hollywood, Florida starting in 1991.  This group brought light, support, and understanding to hundreds of women over the course of its 25 year history.

Brenda will be forever remembered and loved by her children: Monica, Matthew, and Nicholas [deceased].  Brenda is also survived by 6 grandchildren, whom she deeply cherished and with whom she found great pleasure and joy at watching grow. From Monica: Kristen, Elizabeth, and Heather Odenweller. From Matthew: Michael, Luca, and Julia Ferriolo.  Brenda will also be deeply missed by her younger brother, Steve Wills, and her younger sister, Janet Wheeler.  Brenda Ferriolo will be held fondly in the hearts of family, friends, and those who sought her counsel and guidance.  

A Memorial Service for Brenda Ferriolo will be held on Saturday, May 26th, between 2pm and 5pm, at Joseph A Scarano Stirling Memorial Chapel located at 6300 Stirling Road in Davie.