1926 - 2020
Visitation
July 15, 20204:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dolan Funeral Home 106 Middlesex St. N.Chelmsford, MA 01863
Funeral
July 16, 202010:00AM
Dolan Funeral Home 106 Middlesex St. N.Chelmsford, MA 01863
Mary (Gerry) Panessiti, 93, of No. Chelmsford, MA died Tuesday July 7, 2020, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.
She was married to the late Joseph T. Panessiti, who died on October 25, 2013.
Born in Lowell, MA, she was the daughter of the late John and Emma Copley. She graduated from Lowell High School with the class of 1945.
To say she spent her life as a dedicated mother and homemaker would be a vast understatement; Gerry spent every day making sure her family and friends felt loved, had more than enough chocolate chip cookies to eat and celebrated every holiday/birthday/graduation/baby shower…etc. etc. etc. There was no occasion too small for her to get a party organized around!
She was a communicant of St John’s Church of No. Chelmsford and a resident of No. Chelmsford since 1950. She loved to cook: made her own pasta from scratch and other delicious Italian fare. She was the best cook in the world! She sewed proficiently, making many of her granddaughter Micaellas’ dresses as a young girl. She was commended in the Lowell Sun for her tireless charity work sewing doll clothes and bed linens for disadvantaged children every Christmas that she delivered to the local Fire Department for distribution. Every day of her life was an opportunity for her to give back , enjoy life and dress well! Gerry wore a dress or skirt every day of her life, usually accompanied by stylish high heels and matching jewelry.
Her biggest joy was to spend time with her loving family, usually accompanied by a fantastic meal, perfectly set table settings and plenty of laughter.
She is survived by two sons, Thomas J. Panessiti and his longtime companion Mary Deanna of No. Chelmsford MA, Edward R. and Debra Panessiti of Barnstead NH; two grandchildren, Dr. Micaella Fagan and her husband Jeff of Boston, MA and Anthony (AJ) Panessiti and his longtime companion, Ashley Pray of Lebanon, ME., a great grandson, Baker Fagan as well as many nieces, nephews and countless friends.
She was the sister of the late Russell, John, Joseph, Thomas, Paul, and Warren Copley, Emma Dodd, Beverly Copley, Patricia Smith, Muriel Barnes.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her visiting hours Wednesday, July 15, 2020 from 4 to 7 p.m. Her funeral will be Thursday at 10AM at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD. A Celebration of Life party will be held at a later date when Covid-19 protocols have been rescinded. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury will follow. Memorials may be made in her name to a charity of your choice. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Cindy Vedder
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RIP Gerry.
Thank you so much for taking care of my Auntie and her family.
Leah Moran
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Rest in peace Gerry,I am so blessed that our lives crossed paths.You will always hold a special place in my heart.The holidays that l had the pleasure of spending with you just won’t be the same.Until our paths cross again you will be forever in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat Moran
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Gerry rest in peace. there will many things Ill miss about you, especially those big hugs. you were one special Lady
Jay
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To the best homemade chocolate chip cookie baker the world as ever known, Rest In Peace.
Patricia Copeley- Emery
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Aunt Gerry..My heart brakes! You were my life line many times. RIP “Thanks again for our talk a few weeks ago and sending me another batch of the greatest Chocolate chip cookies! All that knew you were blessed. God’s angel! Love you Patty
Dianne Peters
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Tom and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. We’ll all miss her cookies.
Laurie Lahey
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I am so sorry I never got to meet you. You sounded liked an amazing person and I feel sorry that the world has lost such a shining light. Blessed be Gerry. Keep watch over your blessed family.
Ron Wetmore
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Gerry, may you rest in peace, your attachment and love you gave to our family will be missed forever and will never be forgotten.
love and miss you, Ron & Pat Wetmore
Dottie Greene
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You will be missed by so many. Love from Curt and Dottie Greene
Jennifer Sweet
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Gerry,
You will be missed greatly by everyone in our family! I will always remember your visits when I was a kid with my Nana and a box of Dunkin Donuts. Also, your generosity and cookies at every family party and special occasions in our lives. Thank you for everything.
Love,
Jen Sweet
Tammy Blight
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Gerry,
No more pain, lots of love surround you. Happy for the opportunity to share a little bit of time with you. Your a special, sweet lady. RIP
Carol Kivlan Comins
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We share our Uncle David and many a family cookout together. You were always there to visit and share a story or two. You were a beautiful woman inside and out.
Priscilla Stoessel
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Geri , Rest In Peace ! A true lady , a wonderful friend to many . So enjoyed our time visiting Joannie and of course the wonderful Cookies and pasta you always had ready for all . You are truly an Angel In heaven as you were an Angel on earth . Remembering what a true wonderful friend you were to Mick always there ready to help her in any way you could . Now you have joined all your loved ones . All were blessed to have you in their life’s.
Barbara & Tom Elwell
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To Gerry’s family,
Thank you for having the livestream service, which gave us closure. We now live in Florida. We spent many occasions together with Gerry at my sister Peggy & Joe Panessitti’s home. She was a lovely, caring lady who always brought the best chocolate cookies. Everyone enjoyed being around Aunt Gerry!!
Our deepest sympathy, Barbara & Tom Elwell
Sean Fowler and family
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Anyone that knew Great Aunt Gerry can testify that she was a funny, sharp, caring, generous woman who cared deeply for both her immediate and extended family to great measure. Whether it was in her company and conversation or her unparalleled chocolate chip cookies, she sowed happiness wherever she went. May she be in a better place.