Local obituary: Yolanda Cellucci, 92, businesswoman and philanthropist

Yolanda Marie (DiDuca) Cellucci died on Monday, September 7, 2026, at her home. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a pioneering businesswoman, philanthropist, and deeply beloved matriarch of her family.

From humble beginnings, Yolanda built a remarkable life through determination, vision, and an unmatched work ethic. She began by selling wigs from the trunk of her car before going on to create Yolanda’s Bridal Salon in Waltham, Massachusetts, alongside her beloved husband, Daniel Blaise Cellucci. What began as a dream grew into an enormously successful business and a name known throughout the community. A businesswoman far ahead of her time, Yolanda was unmistakable — glamorous, driven, generous, and truly one of a kind.

Her impact extended far beyond her business. Throughout her life, Yolanda was a devoted philanthropist who raised significant funds for countless charitable causes and gave generously of her time, energy, and resources. She touched an extraordinary number of lives and was deeply admired by those who knew her.

For all of her professional success, Yolanda’s greatest pride was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose presence remained at the heart of her family throughout her life.

Yolanda is survived by her daughter, Sondra Celli; son-in-law, Sebuh Petrosian; grandchildren Dimitri and Kristen Petrosian, Alec Petrosian, Milan and Sam George; and great-grandchildren Celine Linda Petrosian, Lucia Silva Petrosian, Colette Nyrie Petrosian, and Blaise Daniel George; and her sister-in-law, Nancy DiDuca.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Daniel Blaise Cellucci, and her daughter, Linda Petrosian.

Her family is devastated by the loss of a woman whose strength, generosity, spirit, and love shaped generations. There will never be another Yolanda, but the remarkable life she built and the countless people she touched will ensure that her legacy lives on for generations to come.

Family and friends will honor and remember Yolanda’s life by gathering for a Morning Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Saturday, September 12th, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Our Girl Linda Foundation, a charity founded by Yolanda in loving memory of her daughter, Linda Petrosian — https://ourgirllinda.com/.

This local obituary is published via Legacy.com and Joyce Funeral Home. Want a loved one’s obituary featured on Boston.com? Submit your obituary here, or email it to [email protected].