Nicole M. Orlando Ferretti

Nicole Orlando Ferretti, 53, passed away at her residence on Saturday, October 17, 2026, surrounded by her family and held in love. She was born on December 6, 1972, in Erie, a daughter of Carmella (Presogna) Orlando and the late Nicola "Nick" Orlando. Taken from this world far too soon, Nicole faced her illness as she faced all of life's challenges, with courage, determination, and an unwavering sense of hope and faith.

Nicole grew up in Erie, Pa and was a proud 1991 graduate of Villa Maria Academy, where she played volleyball and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gannon University in May 1995, followed by a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Throughout her career at St. Vincent Hospital and then Shriners Children's Hospital, Nicole's strong character and compassionate nature shone through in her work. She was a dedicated and talented therapist who had a gift for putting her patients at ease and making them feel they were in capable hands, always supported and cared for.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nicole will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and subtle sense of humor. Her greatest joy was her children, Amelia and Nicolas. She was their biggest fan, never missing Amelia's performances or Nicolas's baseball games, even on treatment days. Her strength and generous spirit will live on in them.

In addition to her mother, Nicole is survived by her loving children, Amelia and Nicolas Ferretti; her four sisters, Carla Orlando (husband, Laith Wardi), Maria Orlando (husband, Neil Murphy), Danielle Cotterill (husband, Justus Cotterill), and Andrea Orlando, with whom she shared a special bond; her nieces, Lila Cotterill and Lydia Wardi; her nephews, Everett Cotterill and Alex Wardi; and her former husband and friend, Richard Ferretti. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, 2122 Raspberry Street, on Thursday, October 22nd, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m and may attend a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 W 38th St., on Friday, October 23rd at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an organization or cause close to your heart.