Jillian Dagon Andolina, age 26 of 24 Meadowbrook, Arkport, died Saturday evening (May 11, 2013) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a courageous 2 ½ year battle with Leukemia.
Born in Hornell on January 17, 1987, she was the daughter of Dr. Richard and Molly (Dagon) Andolina.
Jill grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School, Class of 2005. She attended SUNY at Alfred, graduating with an associate’s degree in 2007. In 2009, she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from SUNY at Geneseo. Jill’s plan to obtain her Master’s Degree was interrupted when she was diagnosed with leukemia on November 12, 2010.
Jill was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was also a member of the Hornell Association and the Arkport American Legion Post 1248 Auxiliary. A self-proclaimed “Country Concert Queen” she enjoyed attending her favorite country music concerts with her numerous friends. Jill was a dedicated fan of The Ohio State University football team, attending numerous games over the years. She was such a fan that she named her dog Buckeye. A lover of the outdoors, she always looked forward to her family’s annual summer fishing trip to Canada. Jill was a frequent visitor and volunteer at the Hornell Humane Society and very active in Relay for Life.
Jill will forever be remembered for her brave and fearless fight against cancer. Throughout her treatment, she inspired family, friends, and the loving medical community with her ability to keep a smile on her face while fighting this dreaded disease. She never complained, even while facing the numerous effects associated with aggressive chemotherapy and two bone marrow transplants. Jill continually showed courage in the face of adversity, found humor when tears should have prevailed, and an ability to comfort her family and friends when she herself deserved comfort. Right up to the very end, Jill taught everyone the true meaning of being tough. On April 13, 2013 she posted in Facebook the following: “I love all of you so much! And it can’t go unseen on how much I cherish and appreciate all the support from family, friends, and the community.” Those who knew Jill realize that a kinder or more appreciative person never touched their lives. She truly will be missed.
Jill was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Elsie Andolina, and her maternal grandfather, James Dagon.
In addition to her parents, Jill is survived by her three loving and protective brothers, Dr. Richard Andolina, Jr. of Buffalo, Dr. Nicholas Andolina of Alexandria, VA, and Mitchell Andolina of Arkport; her paternal grandfather, Frank Andolina of Wellsville; her maternal grandmother, Marieka Dagon of North Hornell; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jill’s family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Jillian Andolina Scholarship Fund at Arkport Central School, East Ave., Arkport, NY 14807; the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, C/O Mike Ellis, Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 650, Rochester, NY 14642. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
As special consideration to Jill, please consider joining the bone marrow registry to give the hope of life to those affected by blood cancers. For more information, please visit www.marrow.org
Molly, Rick, Ricky, Nick, and Mitch,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I don’t have to tell you what a special friend Jill was to me. She gave me strength when I didn’t think I could find it. I will miss her smile, and her laugh. You are all in my prayers, as you have been for quite some time.
Love,
Jess
Dearest Molly,
My heart breaks for you. I pray you receive a living sign that Jillian is very much alive and happy in Heaven and this will bring you comfort and assurance that you will be with her forever again! I love you!!
Joanne
Dearest Molly, Rick, Ricky, Nick and Mitch:
We are so deeply saddened at your loss. Jillian was so brave and fought such a courageous battle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love,
Tinder and Maninder
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jill’s passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jill’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Jill, you provided all of us with the inspiration to face any and all challenges we may face in our lives. You will always be remembered for that beautiful smile and sense of humor.
Our hearts are pouring out to you in the loss of your beautiful daughter Jill. Words just cannot express…
Dear Rick and Family:
I am so sorry for your loss.
Rick, you were a kind, caring and loving brother.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Maryalice Schroeder
Molly, Rick, Ricky, Nick, Mitch, family, and friends:
I am so sorry for your loss, my heart breaks for you. Jill was not only an amazing individual, but she always seemed to inspire everyone she came in contact with.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Love,
Micah
Molly,Rick & family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
With love,
Theresa and Al
Molly, Rick, and Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time. I am so sorry for your loss of Jill. She served as an inspiration to us all. What a tremendous spirit and fighter. God has truly gained a strong and beautiful angel.
Dear Andolina Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jill–she was truly a tough women and we can all emulate her spirit–My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. It was my privilege and pleasure to work with her at ACS.–a very special person–always happy, enthusiastic, and ready to give 100% in everything she was involved with. May you find comfort in her fortitude and strength as it is an inspiration to us all. Bless you all and may her spirit live on in each and every one of us.
With deepest sympathy,
Alice Deres
Rick, Molly and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Jill’s passing. She fought a brave battle with this horrible disease.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Eldy and Mary
Rick and Family,
Praying that you ALL will feel the Peace and Love of the Lord today and in the days ahead. Would have liked to stop in tomorrow but I am unable too.
I’m sorry and saddened.
Chris, Joanne and the girls.
My heart just breaks at the passing on of Jillian. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who are suffering the absence of this amazing woman who served as such an inspiration to others. Although her days upon this earth were sadly foreshortened she will live on in the legacy she has left behind as an incredibly loving, brave, and strong individual. May God comfort you for your loss.
Alice Deres says:
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May 15, 2013 at 1:02 am
Dear Andolina Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jill–she was truly a tough women and we can all emulate her spirit–My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. It was my privilege and pleasure to work with her at ACS.–a very special person–always happy, enthusiastic, and ready to give 100% in everything she was involved with. May you find comfort in her fortitude and strength as it is an inspiration to us all. Bless you all and may her spirit live on in each and every one of us.
With deepest sympathy,
Alice Dere
Dear Rick & Molly,
Kevin and I very sad and sorry to hear about your loss. I know that you all have showed tremendous strength, courage and love over these past difficult years (none more so than Jill) and I hope that same strength, courage and love will help you find peace.
You are in our thoughts,
Rachel & Kevin
So sorry for the loss of your precious daughter Jillian. We never had the pleasure of knowing her but understand she was a remarkable young women. Heaven has truly gained a strong and beautiful Angel. Our condolences to you and your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Gary, Cheryl, Gary & Kristen Kelleher
My condolences to the Dagon and Andolina family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. God Bless
We are so sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with your family .
Molly and family – our deepest, heartfelt sympathies to all of you. We are so very sorry. God grant you peace in a time of confusion.
Bill and Patti Foster and family
I didn’t know Jillian but heard so many wonderful things about her from Dr. Nick. I have kept Jillian in my thoughts and prayers since her initial diagnosis. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Rick, Molly and Family,
We are so sorry, for the loss of your beautiful Jill. She inspired us with her humor and good graces. We will live by her example. Our prayers are with all of you.
Love
Rod & Lorraine
And Family
Molly,Rick,Ricky,Nick & Mitch,
It is heartbreaking to hear of Jill’s passing. She was a wonderful,kind and such a sweet person. We have many fond memories of her from our days on Meadowbrook. Our thougths and prayers are with you. She will surely be missed.
Jennifer,John,Kara,Sean & Keil
My sympathies to the family of Jillian. The Dagon family has always been special to me-having sat in a classroom with many of them How sad to lose a person so full of dreams and energy-God has surely gained an angel. Having just lost a very dear friend to leukemia, I know the struggle Jillian has had-as have all of you. My special love to Molly and Ricky. I am hoping that now you can all have peace, as you know she is at peace.
Blessings
Jean Peterson-Murfreesboro,TN
Dear Rick, Molly & family,
We were saddened to learn of Jill’s death. We didn’t know Jill but we have read a lot about her & her wonderful spirit; she seemed to be an amazing young woman. May you find peace in knowing that you are surrounded by Jill’s spirit & peace, she will always be in your heart. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Dorina & Dennis
Our thoughts and prayers are with you please accept our deepest sympathy.
May she rest in peace.
Dear Nick & Family,
We were so deeply saddened to hear of your sister’s passing. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this sad and difficult time.
We know that you and your sister were very close and that her passing will be very hard for you. We’re sure that you are thankful for the many wonderful years you had together. Although we never met Jill, we could tell she was a very special lady that touched many lives. Please know that we will be there for you if you need anything. May you cherish the many fond memories y’all shared together.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Mark & Danielle
Nick, Jess & Family,
We are so deeply saddened for your loss. I know there are no words to take away your pain but we do pray that you and your family will find peace.
With our deepest sympathy,
Cameron & Kyle
Louisville, KY.
Molly,
I don’t know if you remember me,but we graduated High School together. I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family. EdE.
Dear Andolina Family,
My deepest sympathy regarding the untimely passing of Jill. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ronald Boyd
My condolences to the Andolina family. May it help you and your family to know that at Isaiah 33:24 God said: No resident will say “I am sick”. Yes soon we want worry about losing our loved to death because of sickness, because it will be gone forever and because of God love for you and your loved one, he will bring back to life, all those in his memory. So yes, soon you may see Ms. Jillian again, doing what she loved and you enjoying her again.