Maria Stella (nee Chiarella) Trapasso, 87, of Lockport, NY, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, died on Tuesday December 22, 2009 at Eastern Niagara Hospital in Lockport, NY. Born in Gimigliano, Catanzaro, Italy she was the daughter of the late Luigi and Rosa (Pascente) Chiarella.

Maria attended school in Italy and emigrated Canada in 1953. On January 15, 1955, she married Angelo Antonio Trapasso at St. Anne's Church in Niagara Falls, Ontario and shortly after took up residency in the Little Italy section of Niagara Falls, NY. Mr. Trapasso predeceased her on January 23, 2008, after fifty-three years of marriage. Maria worked as a seamstress in the Custom Drapery Department of Sears in Niagara Fall, NY. She was known for her numerous talents including gardening, cooking, sewing and many lost arts. Her most enduring quality was her selfless nature, quietly performing many acts of kindness. She was devoted to the Madonna di Porto. Maria faithfully prayed the rosary many times daily for the intentions of others. She had a very generous nature but most of all she was devoted to her loving family and enjoyed spending time with them. They will miss her dearly."

Mrs. Trapasso is survived by two daughters Maria A. (Francis) Pasquale of
Lockport, NY and Rose M. (Dr. Andrew) Siedlecki of Lewiston, NY; six
grandchildren Dr. Anthony (Alison) Pasquale, Andrew Pasquale, Marisa Pasquale, Alexander Siedlecki, Andrew Siedlecki and Adam Siedlecki, three brothers Domenic (Savina) Chiarella of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Tommaso (Barbara) Chiarella of Niagara Falls, NY and Antonio (Gina) Chiarella of Niagara Falls, Ontario; two sisters Teresa Pascente and Ida Mete both of Italy, brother-in-law Louis (Leota) Trapasso of Niagara Falls, NY and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by two sisters and one brother Giuseppina Facciolo, Saverio Chiarella, Maria Chiarella and a brother-in-law Joseph (Novelle of Beaumont, TX) Trapasso and a sister-in-law Rose (Louis) DeSantis of Niagara Falls, NY.

Friends may call on Saturday and Sunday 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 Monday December 28th at 11:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Stewart Lindsay, O.S.F.S. officiating. Entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.