Lori Ann Gazella

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Lori Ann Gazella, a beloved daughter, mother, sister, and friend. Lori passed away at her home in Elizabethtown, PA on August 29, 2026. Born on January 7, 1979, in Carbondale, PA, she was the eldest daughter of Elaine Pettinato Collins, Jr. and Francis X. Gazella Sr. Lori's passions were music and dance. Lori began her dance journey in 1982 at three years old and danced seventeen more years under the instruction of Carbondale Dance Academy and Dave Ragnacci School of Dance. Her ballet slippers, her pointe shoes, her tap shoes; they were her treasures. With music as her companion, she found a peace that lived deep in her soul. Every step, every turn, every beat was a place where she felt whole. Lori's love of the dance floor, the movement, music and the instruction strengthened her mind, body and character. A 1996 graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Carbondale, Lori built the foundation for a life defined by quiet wisdom, grace, kindness, and steady strength. She continued her education at Mansfield University and Penn State University, discovering other disciplines, passions, and purpose. Lori’s joy of being a mother to her son, Collin Michael Gazella was evident. Lori always knew it took a village. She believed in giving Collin a childhood rooted in love, stability, and opportunity. Her guidance and love, along with her village, helped shape him into the confident young man she treasured. A quiet soul with a compassionate heart, Lori touched the lives of those who knew her. Her grace, and altruistic nature leaves an enduring imprint on this world. She carried herself with fortitude and resolve which offered comfort, and understanding. Lori’s life was a testament to endurance and the profound impact of a gentle spirit. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Lori is survived by her son, Collin Michael Gazella; her parents, Elaine Pettinato Collins, Jr. and Francis X. Gazella Sr., her brother, Frank X. Gazella, Jr. and sister, Leiann M. Gazella Mircovich. Lori is also survived by her Godmother, Catherine M. Collins, her Aunt Jacquelyn Collins O'Hearn and Uncle Mike O'Hearn; cousins Allyson Collins Guinn and Nathaniel Guinn. Lori's Godfather, Joseph Gazella, Jr., her Uncle Victor Gazella and Aunt Mary Gazella, cousins Heather Gazella Messina and Victor Gazella, Jr., numerous great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins who will forever hold her memory close. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. William T. Collins and Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gazella, her Uncle Stephen P. Collins, and her Aunt Ann Marie Gazella Hivish, her great grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Pettinato and Mr. & Mrs. William Collins, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Aileo. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Lori’s neighbors, friends, her community, and medical professionals in Elizabethtown, Lancaster County whose kindness and support meant so much to her later in her life. A memorial gathering with Rite of Committal Ceremonies and Inurnment will take place at the Ascension Columbarium at Resurrection Cemetery in Harrisburg, PA on September 17, 2026, at 9:00AM Arrangements Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Homes Harrisburg, PA 17110 In lieu of flowers, donations in Lori’s memory may be made to ARCH Street Center Inc. in Lancaster, PA or Tenfold in Lancaster, PA. These were two organizations which reflect the compassion and humanity Lori embodied.