Maryellen Pagano

Age 97 | October 3, 2026

Mary Ellen (DelBel) Pagano, age 97, passed away peacefully at home on October 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and her two faithful four-legged companions, Abby and Nicki, who were never far from her side.

Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late John and Maria (Filippi) DelBel; beloved wife of the late Frank Anthony Pagano; devoted and loving mother of Frank (Mary) Pagano, John (Maryann) Pagano, James (Deborah) Pagano, and Lisa (Patrick) Flynn; cherished grandmother of Nicole (Weber), Lori, Vincent, Dana, Mathew, Erica, James, Michael, and Daniele Pagano, and Liam, Colin, and Patrick Flynn; and adored great-grandmother of Calvin and Rynn Weber, Leo Pagano, and Griffin and Natalie Flynn. She was the dear sister of the late Peter DelBel, Calvin DelBel, and Anita Fini.

Mary Ellen was truly one of a kind. She was a woman of incredible strength, a loving heart, and a determination that could surprise even those who knew her best. She found happiness in life's little pleasures—a good book, something sweet (especially her beloved candy), and a cozy afternoon nap with Abby and Nicki snuggled up beside her. Those simple moments brought her so much joy.

And then there was her love of shopping! Mary Ellen had a special talent for finding just the right outfit, and no one wore Talbots quite like she did. Always beautifully dressed and perfectly put together, she was such a regular at the store that the sales associates knew her by name. Shopping wasn't just something she enjoyed—it was practically her gift, and she certainly had a flair for it!

During the last three years of her life, Mary Ellen faced numerous illnesses and health challenges with extraordinary courage, strength, and determination. But if there was one thing stronger than those challenges, it was her love for her family. She made a promise that she would be strong enough to travel to the weddings of her grandsons, James in New Jersey and Colin in California. And in true Mary Ellen fashion, she kept that promise. Not only did she make both trips, but she danced at their weddings! Those unforgettable moments were a beautiful reflection of who she was—a woman who refused to give up, who found strength in love, and who was determined not to miss life's most precious celebrations.

Above all else, Mary Ellen's greatest joy was her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest treasures, and nothing meant more to her than being part of their lives and sharing in their special moments. She gave her family a lifetime of love, treasured memories, and countless reasons to smile.

For the last five years of her life, Mary Ellen made her home with her daughter Lisa, son-in-law Patrick, and grandson Patrick, who lovingly cared for her each day. Their home became a place where she was surrounded by family, familiar comforts, and, of course, her beloved dogs, Abby and Nicki. During her final month, with the compassionate support of Hospice Buffalo, her family was able to honor what mattered most—keeping Mary Ellen at home, comfortable, peaceful, and surrounded by love. After all the challenges she had faced, all the strength she had shown, and all the promises she had kept, Mary Ellen was finally able to rest. She left this world peacefully, in the comfort of home, surrounded by those who loved her most. Mary Ellen will be remembered not only for her remarkable strength and resilience, but also for the little things that made her so special—her love of candy, her beautiful Talbots outfits, her devotion to her dogs, and the joy she found in being surrounded by those she loved. At 97 years young, Mary Ellen leaves behind a beautiful legacy of kindness, perseverance, and unconditional love. While her absence will be felt every day, the memories she created and the love she gave will remain forever. Her family will carry her love in their hearts, her strength in their spirits, and her memory in the stories they share. She spent her life loving her family, and in the end, that love came full circle as her family lovingly cared for her. There could be no more beautiful way to say goodbye. Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, 3070 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo in Mary Ellen's honor.