Ellen Mae Pagano

Ellen was born on June 14, 1937 in Kodiak, Alaska to Natalie Fadaoff and Kelly Simeonoff Sr. She spent her early years between Woody Island and Kodiak, graduating as class president from Kodiak High School in May of 1956. The same year, she married Frank Pagano and began their family journey together.

A devoted mother and guardian, her devotion to family was evident throughout her life. While raising her children she was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie, and Girl Scout Troop Leader. She bravely survived the 1964 Alaska Earthquake evacuating with her three small children to Pillar Mountain. Before moving to Anchorage in 1966, Ellen and Frank opened their hearts and home by becoming guardians to two of Ellen’s younger cousins, Joseph and Edson. Ellen’s strength and stamina would be tested again when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She lived 4 months in Seattle with Frank by her side as she underwent a stem cell transplant at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, saving her life, and giving her over 25 more years with her family.

Ellen wore many hats over the years. Professionally, she worked in contract health and eventually became the Director at North Pacific Rim. After retiring she devoted her time and talent to St. Innocent Russian Orthodox Cathedral, managing bookkeeping and payroll and serving as treasurer during the Cathedral’s construction. She was a regular at Sunday Divine Liturgy singing in the choir. Ellen was one of St. Innocent’s original members from the church’s beginnings in the late 1960’s at the corner of Arctic & 36th Ave.

Ellen’s love of family extended into her home, where she was renowned for hosting gatherings with a fresh pot of coffee or trays of summer sausages, cheese and crackers – always ready to welcome company with warmth and hospitality. Her passion for cooking brought joy and pride in preparing large holiday meals, especially traditional Easter dishes such as Paskha, kulich and pirok. Her culinary talents earned her honorable mention in a contest for the best Alaskan dinner menu at Josephine’s Restaurant, and her desserts were beloved by all who knew her. She took her skills into the kitchen at St. Innocent’s working with the church’s sisterhood in preparing food for all types of meals and celebrations.

Ellen and her husband put many miles on campers and motorhomes. Most Summer weekends were spent traveling to different campgrounds and lakes, and many days were spent on the boat in Homer. After catching an abundance of seafood, Ellen, and Frank together, would create wonderful meals. Family time in Homer was special with their children and grandchildren from fishing, bonfires on the beach, walking low tides, flying kites and every year attending 4th of July celebration in Seldovia. Love of the motorhome continued with a trip traveling across the USA. There were many Fall seasons that involved a motorhome trip to spend the cold Winter months in the warmer Arizona sun. Her adventurous spirit led her to be part of a group from St. Innocents that traveled to Russia after Perestroika, a journey that reflected her deep religious and cultural ties and sense of adventure.

Ellen is preceded in death by her husband, Frank Pagano; sons Michael A. Pagano and infant Mark A. Pagano; parents Natalie and Kelly Simeonoff Sr.; siblings Frederick Simeonoff, Peter Simeonoff, Kelly Simeonoff Jr., Richard Simeonofff, Judith Meidinger, and cousin Edson Fadaoff.

Ellen is survived by her daughters Charlotte (Steven) Stich and Carole (Leonard) Pagano-Zaiser; grandchildren Tonya (Kyle) Pagano-Wagg, Thomas (Sarah) Helmuth, Jenny (Cody) Zaiser-Huf, Kaitlyn (Jena) Zaiser-McCoy, Kelley (Jesse) Stich-Van De Krol; great-grandchildren Jayden, Lawrence, Palmer, Bristol, McKinley, Lena, and Raelee. Ellen is also survived by her sister Christina Hoen of Kodiak, cousin Joseph Fadaoff, and her step-grandson’s family Steven, Dayna and Nena Stich and many nieces and nephews and friends.

A funeral service for Ellen will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 1614 E Monte Vista Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85006.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎