Mary Grace (Viverito) Paonessa, 100 of Niagara Falls, NY, died peacefully on Saturday May 2, 2015 at home with her family at her side. She was the fourth and last surviving child born to Bennedetto and Salvatrice (Cardinale) Viverito on November 27, 1914 in Charleroi, PA. The family moved to Niagara Falls in 1916 because of the many jobs that were available for her father. Even though English was her second language, she persevered and won the prestigious Lion's Club Award in sixth grade. She attended Trott Vocational High School and studied cosmetology and business. In her early twenties, her father asked her to quit her job when her mother passed away to take care of her younger siblings. She helped take care of her family all through her life which she considered to be a privilege. Before her marriage, she worked at, Kresges, Lincoln's and the YWCA. Later in life she worked at Ambassador Leather Goods. She also helped her husband with his job as business agent of Musicians Union #106 serving as secretary.

Mary was well loved by everyone who knew her. She always had a word of wisdom or a cheery message. She traveled to thirty major cities, Las Vegas being her favorite in the US, and three times to Europe. On one of her trips she went to Alia, Sicily, her parent's home town, and met many of her first cousins. Even though she got great joy from those trips, she got the most joy being with family and friends.

Mary married Salvatore L. Paonessa on November 20, 1941in St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls. After being married for 61 years, he predeceased her on March 20, 2003. They had four children, Judith Paonessa of Niagara Falls, NY, Peter Paonessa of Flagler Beach, FL, Sylvia (Leslie) Christian of Virginia Beach, VA, Kathleen (Eric) Obert of Titusville, PA, seven grandchildren, Barbara Edwards, Karen Lewis, Heather Trollinger, Maria Grace Good, Joanna Richard, Andrea Obert and Stephen Obert, 14 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by five brothers, Charles Viverito, Phillip (late Teresa) Viverito, Sam (late Amine) Viverito, Henry (late Angeline) Viverito, Frank (late Grace) Viverito and three sisters, Josephine (late Tom) Viverit, Nina (late Nick Morreale) (late Stanley) Smeadala and Laura (late Robert) Brown.

The family of Mary would like to thank all the health care workers, the NFFD, her senior companion, Father Duane Klizek and all the many strangers that helped when needed. Without all of their help she wouldn't have been able to enjoy her last days at home. Her greatest gift was the unconditional love and faith she gave to her children, extended family and all those who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL 2730 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday May 6th at 12 Noon at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church 1413 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Duane Klizek officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Roswell Park Foundation PO Box 631 Buffalo, NY 14240 or the American Cancer Society 101 John J. Audubon Parkway Amherst, NY 14228.