Antoinette J. (DiMeo) Passanese, 80, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Tuesday April 5, 2011 in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness. Born in Niagara Falls, NY she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Michelina (Sandonato) DiMeo.

A lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY, Antoinette attended local schools including Niagara Falls High School. On June 25, 1949 she married Salvatore L. Passanese at St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls. Mr. Passanese predeceased her on June 11, 2008 one week before their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary. Antoinette worked at the former Ramada Inn in Niagara Falls for several seasons, the hi-light of which was meeting celebrities such as Elvis Presley. She enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandchildren, and one of her favorite pastimes was taking care of her rose garden.

Mrs. Passanese is survived by her three children, Lawrence A. (Kathy) Passanese, Dr. Salvatore M. (Lillian) Passanese both of Lewiston, NY and Annette L. Passanese of Niagara Falls, NY; two grandchildren Nicholas Lawrence Passanese and Noah Anthony Passanese, two brothers, Dominick (Zosera) DiMeo of New York City, Roman A. DiMeo of Scottsdale, AZ and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was the sister-in-law of the late Sebastian (Joanne of Niagara Falls, NY) Passanese, late Josephine (Antonio of Grand Island, NY) Mastrangelo and Charles (late Fulvia) Passanese of Getzville, NY.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Saturday April 9th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Joseph Carlo officiating. Interment will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston NY.