Mary Lou Panaccione

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Mary Lou Panaccione. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Mary Lou was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

She was the daughter of John and Lucille Mesker. Mary Lou was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Mary Lou was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Mary Lou's personality throughout her life.

Though Mary Lou was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Mary Lou was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Mary Lou worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Mary Lou was raised with Two siblings. She had a younger brother, Jack, and a younger sister Linda. Mary Lou and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Mary Lou was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Mary Lou was always tactful. One thing Mary Lou will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Mary Lou had a number of interests and was an active child. As a child her mom would "send" her to "Ungies" ice cream shoppe, and so her love for ice cream began.

For Mary Lou, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Mary Lou was also adept at details. Mary Lou was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from St. Stevens High School in 1953. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English.

College can be a challenge, but Mary Lou appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Mary Lou had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Mary Lou enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. Took college classes while working as the Director of Childtime Learning Centers.

There was one thing that all of Mary Lou's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Mary Lou was such a popular person throughout her life. But Mary Lou was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Mary Lou was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Mary Lou was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Mary Lou was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Mary Lou was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Mary Lou made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, of her best friend in High School was Fran and Sara Jane. Later in life, she and dad had many close friends, Joe and Phillis Messina, Joe and Annemarie Ripepi, Louis and Teresa Vascone, Al and Joanne Castelli, Joe and Angie Mazzeo, Frank and Lou Bohley.

Mary Lou was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Mary Lou cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On September 22, 1956 Mary Lou married Frank Panaccione at St. Steven's Catholic Church of Cleveland,Ohio. Compassionate and devoted, Mary Lou worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Mary Lou and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Mary Lou was blessed with Three, Three daughters, Renee, Teresa, and Mary Fran. They were also blessed with Five grandchildren, Nick, Dominc, Deanna, Maria, Adrianna. Mary Lou was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Mary Lou was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Mary Lou would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Mary Lou, and she expected the same from those around her. Mary Lou was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Mary Lou was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Mary Lou handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was the Director of Childtime Children's Center in Brook Park. She was employed for Childtime for 21 years. As director, she was sent on a trip to Las Vegas for a seminar. One memory she had from that experience was when she had to evacuate the hotel she was in because the fire alarm went off. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Mary Lou enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Enjoyed reading novels by James Patterson ,watching the "Good Wife" and loved shopping at Kohl's.

Mary Lou was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Mary Lou was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Mary Lou also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were watching the Cleveland Browns every Sunday. She also rooted for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Mary Lou to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Mary Lou did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout her later years, Mary Lou was involved with the Bereavement Group at Mary Queen of the Apostles.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Mary Lou well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of Assumption of Mary in Brook Park until it merged with St. Peter the Apostle to become Mary Queen of the Apostles. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Not only did Mary Lou enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Chippewa Lake, Catawba with family. She also took trips with Chick to the Poconos, Niagra Falls, Toronto and and a cruse to the Caribbean with Chick and the SCU club from St. Rocco's Catholic Church.

Mary Lou was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Mary Lou took care of her daughter's dogs, GiGi, Bambi, and later Teresa's dog, Chloe. Chloe was a great comfort to Mary Lou, especially after losing Chick.

Since it was easy for Mary Lou to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Mary Lou was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1998. Even in retirement, Mary Lou stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Mary Lou passed away on December 8, 2020, at home on December 8, 2021, after a long time in and out of hospitals and nursing homes. She is survived by her children, Renee, Teresa, and Mary Fran Services were held at Mary Queen of the Apostles. Mary Lou was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park, Ohio.

Mary Lou was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Mary Lou was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things firsthand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Mary Lou Panaccione.

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MARY LOU E. PANACCIONE (nee Mesker),

age 84, passed away Tuesday December 8, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Frank B; loving mother of Renee Mascia (Ronald), Teresa Ragone, and Mary Frances Kostyack (Russell); cherished grandmother of Nicholas (Jacki), Dominic (Emily), Deanna (fiancée Ashley), Maria and Adrianna; loving daughter of the late John and Lucille Mesker; sister of Linda Kosmac (Bill) and the late Jack Mesker (Sharon); loving aunt of many; sister in law of Joe Panaccione (late Carol) and the late Anthony Panaccione (Brenda). Mary Lou retired as the Director of Child Time Learning Center in Brook Park. She enjoyed the Holidays and spending time with her family. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, December 15, at 11am in Mary Queen of the Apostles Church 6455 Engle Rd. Brook Park. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at the Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 20820 Lorain Rd Fairview Park from 6-8pm Monday. 440-331-0500

NOTE: all covid-19 procedures will be in place