 PANARO, ESTHER MATTEI Esther Mattei Panaro passed away peacefully of natural causes in her home in Corrales, New Mexico on August 25, 2014. She would have celebrated her 98th birthday on October 1st. She and her husband Carmen of 74 years lived most of their lives in Wilmington, Delaware. Having moved to Millbrae, California in 1998, the couple finally settled in Corrales in 2003 to live with their son Adrian and his wife Tina Panaro, who cared for them throughout their final years. Esther was preceded in death by husband Carmen of 74 years, age of 97, on June 22, 2013. In past years Esther was preceded in death by her parents Lionelo and Dolores Mattei, her three sisters: Edith Page, Esa Alliegro and Rose Foster, and brother Arnold Mattei, all of Delaware. In her passing, Esther was surrounded by sons Adrian Panaro of Corrales, and Arthur Panaro of Santa Fe, and her daughter Elissa Rogers of Foster City, CA. Besides her three children, Esther is survived by her grandchildren Lars and Luca Panaro, sons of Adrian and Tina Panaro; three grandchildren, of Elissa and Thomas Rogers --- Renee Canuso (husband, Vito III and great-grandchildren, Elissa and Vito IV of Villa Park, CA); Nicholas Rogers (wife, Beth and great-grandchildren, Thomas and Cara of Burlingame, CA), Christopher Rogers (wife, Shawna and great-grandchildren, Ava and Roman of San Diego, CA). Esther is also survived by her brother, Arthur Mattei of Delaware, and Michael and Kathy Clark and children, Sean, Adrianne, and Jeremy of Delaware. Throughout her life Esther Panaro was a devoted wife and mother. She was with Carmen throughout his 50 year photography and graphic arts career with E.I. Du Pont Company and Panaro and Prettyman Photography. As a mother and homemaker she was a kitchen angel creating remarkable table fare all through her life for her own household and her sisters and brothers and their families. The Panaro table was graced by many wonderful dinners. Esther had a motto she often offered: "Forge ahead !" She was also noted for having a droll sense of humor. Esther loved outdoor gardening and design and her flowers complemented Carmen's brick patios, walks and retaining walls. She possessed great feeling for home decor and enjoyed creating and sewing designer dresses for her family. In Corrales she delighted in the view of Sandia Mountain she had from her terrace. A private memorial celebration is planned. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity in Esther's name.
|
