Mary Charlotte Pagano

Mary C. Pagano, 74, passed away on May 18th, 2022. Born on June 3rd, 1947 to Angeline Hodikoff-Riley in Dillingham, Alaska. She was proud to be an Aleut with a heritage from Attu. Mary attended Dillingham High School, graduating in 1965. After high school, Mary attended Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. She then moved back to Anchorage, where she met her husband, Ralph T. Pagano. They were married on August 14th, 1971. Together they had two children, Theodore and Helena.

Mary was a dedicated librarian assistant for 17 years at Bille Martinez Elementary School. She was respected and admired by her librarians and teachers. Her dedication had her teaching the “Great Books” program at the school as well as donating books through her own funds. Mary was a devout Catholic who combined her love for her church and education to raise the next generation of worshipers in CCD. She was a woman of great faith which was apparent in her overflowing love and actions. She was humble, yet radiant.

When Mary took time for herself, she loved to read, quilt, crochet, and travel. She loved making quilts for her family and friends that they could cherish for years to come. She loved all the beauty that Colorado had to offer; she also enjoyed traveling through other states, while staying at historic hotels. Her trips to Italy fulfilled a youthful dream to see the works of Michelangelo. She loved visiting the different islands of Hawaii and enjoying time on the beach. A trip to Australia found her feeding exotic birds as well as kangaroos.

Beyond all of the events of her life was something far more important; Mary was a caring, loving, and kindhearted person who put others needs in front of her own.

She took extraordinary joy in her children and grandchildren, allowing their freedom and always supporting them. As a fine, dedicated mother and grandmother, she took hours helping and teaching them over the years.

The people who knew Mary were genuinely aware of her character. Mary lived a full and joyous life that had a positive effect on those around her, she will be missed dearly by her family, friends and community.

Mary is survived by her husband Ralph, son Theodore (Starla) Pagano, daughter Helena Angeline (Brad) Schmitz, brother Lance Nunn, sisters Geneva Bright, Blanche Murphy, Barbara Riley Asher, Loretta M. Riley, and grandchildren Zoe, Zachary, Brad, Samuel, and Anecia.

Mary is preceded in death by her mother Angeline Hodikoff, brother Larry Nunn and sister Norma Riley.

A funeral mass is to be held on Friday May 27th at St. Peters Church starting at 9:30am.

The visitation is scheduled to take place after the Funeral Mass at Allnutt-Macy Chapel from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

A Catered Celebration of Mary's Life is set to be held on Sunday, May 29th at Allnutt-Macy Chapel from 3:00pm - 6:00pm