Mary Ann (Sofia) Paonessa, 91, passed away on Monday, September 19, 2016 at Schoellkopf Health Care Facility in Niagara Falls, NY while under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born on May 6, 1925 in Niagara Falls, NY she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Lena (Bonaccorso) Sofia. On June 5, 1947 she married Phillip T. Paonessa, Sr. in Sacred Heart Church, Niagara Falls, NY.

Mary Ann was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY and attended local schools. She was a former employee of the Spiralla Co., Tops Supermarkets and in her later years she worked as a teacher's aide in the Niagara Falls School District. Mary Ann enjoyed baking, rose gardening, crocheting and spending time with her family. For ten years she and her husband traveled to Las Vegas, NV to spend time with her youngest daughter.

In addition to her husband of sixty nine years, Mrs. Paonessa is survived by four children Dianna (Edward) Piotrowski, Phillip Paonessa, Jr. both of Niagara Falls, NY; David (Risa) Paonessa of Buffalo, NY and Reneé (Steven) Whobrey of Las Vegas, NV. She is also survived by five grandchildren Michael (Jennifer) Piotrowski, Joseph Paonessa, Dana (Martin) Mis, Lisa Paonessa and Olivia Whobrey; two great grandchildren Sofia Mis and Brynlee Piotrowski and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Paonessa was predeceased by two brothers Carmen (late Helen) Sofia and Michael (late Vivian) Sofia.

Mrs. Paonessa's family would like to thank the staff at the Schoellkopf Health Care Facility and Niagara Hospice for their care and compassion for Mary Ann.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 3 – 8 p. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Friday, September 23rd at 11:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Vincent De Paul at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101.