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She was born and lived in New Canaan for 92 of her 94 years. She was the widow of Frank A. Panella, who owned the Exxon Service Center on Forest Street for many years. She is well remembered for driving Frank around town when he went out on his "five dollar" road calls. She always had a twinkle in her eye and a big smile for all.
She was a first generation American, born in New Canaan on Feb. 16, 1922. She was the daughter of the late William and Catherine (McArdle) Gagon. She treasured her children and grandchildren and the many friends she and her husband shared. A devout Catholic, she had been an active parishioner at St. Aloysius in New Canaan. She graduated in 1940 from New Canaan High School. Following graduation, she worked in the accounting department at Pitney Bowes Company in Stamford.
She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Panella Lunn and her husband, Richard L. Lunn of Scituate, Massachusetts; two sons, Frank A. Panella, Jr. of Marshfield, Massachusetts, and William M. Panella and his wife, Kim Travers Panella, of New Canaan; and four grandchildren, Sarah Panella, Becky Panella, Matt Panella and Charlie Panella, all of New Canaan.
In addition to Frank, her husband of 49 years, she was predeceased by her brother Joseph Gagon.
Friends may call Friday evening from 4-8 p.m. at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., New Canaan. A mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Aloysius Church, 21 Cherry St., New Canaan. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Staying Put in New Canaan, P.O. Box 484, 58 Pine St., New Canaan, CT 06840.
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