Longtime Putnam Woman Dies at 69

Beecher Funeral Home provided this obituary:

Louise Panaro, age 69, of Brewster, died Saturday at her home surrounded by her loving family after a valiant and courageous battle with cancer. She was the longtime companion of Albert Palancia.

Louise was born on Aug. 22, 1943 to Anthony and Elvira Pirozzi. She was raised and educated in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. For nearly 30 years, Louise worked at Putnam Hospital as a dietary aid. During her years at the hospital she brought a great deal of comfort, happiness and love to all of the patients and her co-workers. She was regarded by many as their “guardian angel,” as she offered kindness and friendship to all.

Throughout her life, Louise enjoyed both cooking and gardening. She was known in her neighborhoods to have a “green thumb” and her gardens were always the envy of her family, friends and neighbors. Of course, she shared her beautiful flowers and vegetables with everyone. Her cooking—which she learned from her mother Vera—was known to warm everyone’s hearts and souls, and she was always quick to make her award winning lasagna or chicken soup for anyone who was experiencing difficulties in their lives. As the doting grandmother to Tommy, Lauren, Cristian and Angelo she always found special ways to bring smiles and enjoyment to them.

Louise is also survived by her loving daughter Jill O’Rourke and her husband John of Carmel; her son Gino Panaro and his wife Theresa of Manhattan Beach, CA; Ben Palancia (who she treated like a son and spoiled with lasagna) and his wife Joanna; three brothers Michael, Anthony and Paul Pirozzi; her sister Jenny Marabella; many adoring nieces, nephews and brother and sister-in-laws; and the many members of the Palancia family. 

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at St. James the Apostle Church (14 Gleneida Avenue in Carmel). Friends may call at Beecher Funeral Home (located on Putnam Avenue in Brewster, 845-279-3615) from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday.