On February 24, 2019, the world lost a beautiful soul who radiated love and light to those privileged to have crossed her path ~ Amy Marie Yates Tortorella.

Amy was born on October 10, 1976, to Mr. and Mrs. William Stanley Yates and Marie Yates. Amy was loved dearly by her parents, and was always her Daddy’s “baby girl.” She was also little sister to her brother, Stanley Yates, Jr. (and wife, Laura Yates) as well as a loving aunt to her cherished niece, Caroline.

Amy found the love of her life, Ian Tortorella, twenty three years ago in Myrtle Beach. Amy and Ian epitomize the notion of loving and living life to the fullest. Their marriage was full of travels, laughs, great conversations and a deep, true love. They shared a thirst for adventure and sharing life with lots of fur babies. Amy’s love of animals was apparent as she was a fierce advocate for rescue animals. Amy will be sorely missed by her dogs Evie and Olive and cats Penny and Nico.

As a realtor Amy helped thousands of people find their dream homes in the Triangle; however, her real passion and ability to connect to people was through practicing and guiding yoga. She embraced every moment of teaching, weaving life lessons into physical practice with care, consideration and skill. Her ability to reach people on a soul level is why she had such a following join her in practice for a spiritual awakening.

Amy embodied the true spirit of goodness in everything and everyone that she encountered. She loved without conditions and protected those around her using her whole heart. Amy was an activist for rescue animals, social justice and a believer in protecting every living creature as a commitment to the Earth to preserve our connectedness to all living things. With a contagious smile, a giving spirit and infectious laugh, she created a space for love and healing with open arms because it represented everything she stood for in her life. Amy was curious and interested in other cultures, and sought travel, adventure and experiences with people from all over the world.

These things will be missed as she continues to be a source of beauty and strength to her friends, family and yoga community. Amy lived life on her terms and valued authenticity. Amy’s spirit and energy shall remain imprinted on us as a light that cannot dim or be extinguished in any lifetime.

A service for Amy will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, March 3, 2019 at All Saints Chapel Raleigh. https://www.allsaints1875.com/

A celebration of life will follow at 6:00 to 10:00 pm at the Bridge Club 2nd floor https://ac-restaurants.com/bridge-club

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Beyond Fences, an organization Amy loved and supported. (www.beyondfences.org)

Ian especially wants to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of love and support throughout this journey with Amy, who felt the embrace, prayers and love of each and every one of you.