Mary V. Panella, a Connecticut resident for the last five years and a former long time resident of New Jersey, passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, CT. Born April 30, 1920 in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Brooklyn, she was the daughter of the late Rosario and Frances Cornicello. She was 86.

Mrs. Panella was an avid reader and loved music and dance. She was known for her warmth, laughter and positive outlook.

She is survived by one son, John V. Panella and his wife Susan of Townsend, MA and one daughter, Jo Ann Panella of Norwalk, CT; and three grandchildren, Jason, Mathew and Karen Panella. She is also survived by two brothers, Anthony Cornicello of Red Hook, NY and Dominic Cornicello of Toms River, NJ; and one sister, Josephine Hinck of Forest Hills, NY. She was predeceased by her husband, Louis Panella; one brother, Alessandro Cornicello and two sisters, Rose DiMichele and Nancy Todaro.

The family will receive friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Friday, October 27, 2006 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John R.C. Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Kenilworth, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Chtholic Charties, USA, 238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606-2845.

Funeral Home:

Edward Lawrence Funeral Home

2119 Post Road

Darien, CT

USA 06820