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POLAND -- AnnaMarie Pacella, 88, peacefully passed away on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, a special day to her.
AnnaMarie was born on June 19, 1938, in Youngstown, a daughter of Lunette and Patsy Battaglini.
A proud member of the 1956 graduating class of Ursuline High School, she was employed at Northside Hospital in Youngstown while attending Youngstown State University to pursue a degree in education. She graduated from YSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1959 and was affiliated with the Phi Mu sorority, where she was nominated and named May Queen that year and was a beautiful queen featured in the parade.
Her career in elementary education also began in 1959 with her first teaching assignment at Science Hill School in the Youngstown City school system. She also taught at Lincoln Elementary and, finally, as a first-grade teacher at Kirkmere Elementary. Through her refined skills as an educator, she enlightened students to achieve their highest goals. She was an inspiration to her students and colleagues. Her students went on to become future teachers, nurses, doctors and lawyers. She was soft-spoken and always displayed a positive attitude.
On Oct. 15, 1960, AnnaMarie married the love of her life, Patsy Pacella. They were married by the Rev. Msgr. Martin at Sacred Heart Church in Youngstown.
Upon her retirement from teaching, in 1989, she returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher in the Youngstown City Schools for a number of years. She was also a substitute teacher in Florida, where she resided with her husband, Patsy, in the winter months.
AnnaMarie and Patsy's passion for traveling led them to travel internationally as well as enjoy several cruises.
She will be remembered for her hospitality and love of family; she was proud of the strong ties formed within her family. She was an excellent cook and baker, as was her husband, and they enjoyed preparing their favorite ethnic dishes together.
She was a member of the YEA and a lifelong member of the Mahoning Retired Teachers Association. She was also a parishioner of Holy Family Church in Poland.
AnnaMarie will be remembered and appreciated for her honesty, strength, beauty and grace. Though no longer among us, our blessed AnnaMarie's memory will remain in our hearts for eternity.
AnnaMarie leaves behind to cherish her life her husband of 65 years, Patsy Pacella. She also leaves her son, Robert (Jodi) Pacella; granddaughters, Olivia and Gioia Pacella; step-grandsons, Tyler (Katee) Beck and Eric (Sidney) Beck; and sisters, Yolanda Nicholudis of Columbus and Patricia (Fred) Scalzo of Poland.
Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman.
A prayer service will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Family Church, Poland.
Burial will take place in Green Haven Memorial Gardens, Canfield.
Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family by visiting the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.
(special notice)