Domenica "Mae" Marie (Lopardo) Pagano

Domenica Marie “Mae” (Lopardo) Pagano, 103, of Torrington, peacefully passed away Sunday, April 19, 2020, at Litchfield Woods, Torrington, one day after her 103rd birthday.

Mae was born on April 18, 1917, in Torrington, Conn. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Annamarie (Lovallo) Lopardo. Mae was married to Joseph Pagano on April 30, 1938, and had 49 years of marriage with him before his passing in 1988.

Mae was a lifelong communicant of St. Peter Church, and a member of the Holy Rosary Society. She took special pride in her family and always put them first and foremost in her life. Being a fabulous cook, Mae enjoyed making incredible dishes to be enjoyed by everyone. She shared her cooking abilities with many family members, teaching them how to make some of her most cherished recipes. These are the memories that can now be appreciated and carried on for future family members to enjoy in the years to come.

Mae loved duckpin bowling and participated in a Friday night league at the Arcade Lanes in Torrington along with many family members and friends. Another interest she had was playing cards, and on a weekly basis played Pinochle with her close circle of friends. She was also an expert at crocheting and knitting. Over the course of her life she made and gave to so many family members and friends beautiful handmade items as gifts on special occasions. People received sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, afghans, blankets, knitted outfits, capes and doilies, all that were cherished by the ones who received them to be kept as something to remember her by. These were just an expression of the love she felt for her family and friends.

Over the years, Mae experienced some trying events in her life but because of her strength and loyalty she overcame them. The one she was most proud of was helping to raise her six siblings when they lost their parents. Keeping her family together was her biggest accomplishment.  Always being there for her family and friends is what she will be remembered for the most.

Mae spent the last five years of her life as a resident of Litchfield Woods, where she made an impression on the staff who took care of her with love and respect. We would like to especially thank Amanda, Brittany, Alvera and so many others, too many to mention here. They went above and beyond in caring for her needs. We cannot express enough our appreciation for all that they did for her.

She is survived by her two daughters, Annamarie Corrolo and her husband, Benjamin, and Judith Aeschlimann and her husband, Ronald, four grandchildren Lisa Shimels and her husband Michael, Thomas Corrolo, Jeffrey Aeschlimann and his wife, Eugenia, and Ryan Aeschlimann, and two great granddaughters, Jordan and Jocelyn Aeschlimann. Mae is also survived by one sister, Carmella “Mel” Lopardo and two sisters-in-law, Edith Lopardo and Marlene Lopardo. In addition, she has a step great granddaughter Brittany David and step great grandson Ryan Shimels, as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews and several great, great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Pagano, four brothers, Pasquale “Patsy” , Leonardo “Leonard”, Donato “Danny”, Conio; three sisters, Vita the eldest sibling who was buried in Italy, Vita “Jennie”, and Lucy, and two sisters-in law, Carmella “Millie” Lopardo and Enes Lopardo.

Due to the pandemic of the Covid-19 virus, there will be private graveside services at St. Peter’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family. A memorial mass will be announced and held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the Pagano family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com