Obituary of Grace T. Pagano

Grace T. Pagano, of Waukesha, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at LindenGrove in Waukesha at the age of 95 years. She was born on August 30, 1917, in Waukesha, WI, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Natalizio) Vitale. Grace married the love of her life, Calogero "Kelly" Pagano, on October 19, 1940. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Waukesha, since 1953. Kelly was longtime owner of Kelly's Tavern in Waukesha, and Grace was his partner, performing all the bookkeeping and cooking duties, along with occasionally bartending. The two of them worked side-by-side to operate the business. Most of all, her priority was caring for her family and loving to prepare delicious meals. Grace will be deeply missed by her children, Mary (Ted) Kuemmel of Waukesha, Richard Pagano of Elk Grove Village, IL; grandchildren, Angela and Kathryn Kuemmel, Rebecca (Dennis) Perry, Michael, Matthew, and Kaitlyn Pagano; brothers Simon (Vernell) Vitale, and Joseph (Louise) Vitale of Waukesha. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Grace is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Kelly, sisters, Mary (Francis) Vaughan and Josephine (Bruno) Cappozzo; sister-in-law, Johanna Vitale; daughter-in-law, Mary Kay Long-Pagano and grandson, Richard A. Pagano. The visitation for Grace will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Ave. Waukesha, WI 53186. The Rev. Howard Haase will be officiating. The burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials and Masses are appreciated to St. Mary Catholic Church (see address above), Alzheimer's Association of Southeast Wisconsin, 620 S. 76th Street, St. 160, Milwaukee, WI 53214, or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all of Grace's caregivers at LindenGrove and to her longtime physician, Dr. Gerald Berman.