CARMELA ROSE PANARA

Carmela R. Panara (née Perfetto), age 94, of Orchard Park, NY, died with her family at her side April 2, 2024 in Lakeland FL. Mrs. Panara has lived in Lakeland since 2004. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ned E. Panara, who passed in 2006. She is survived by sons John M. (Darlene) of Orchard Park, Dr. Ned J. (Patti), and daughter Susan (Robert) Martin of Lakeland FL; grandchildren Rob, Suzanne, Christina, Ashley, Ned and Joe, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Carmela learned her love of cooking from her mother, who came to the U.S. from the Italian province of Abruzzo by way of Canada. Her father’s family was also from Abruzzo. She was born in Buffalo, N.Y. As a young woman she trained as a beautician and went on to run her own hair salon. In 1948 she married her husband Ned, a WWII navy veteran who fought in the Pacific theater. She also worked briefly for Fisher-Price Toys in East Aurora, NY.

She was devoted to her Roman Catholic faith. She and Ned were members of the Comfort My People spiritual ministry associated with the Diocese of Buffalo.

She indulged her love of family and cooking at every opportunity, whipping up mountains of pasta and meatballs using the family’s special Italian sauce. She was also known for making dozens of varieties of Christmas cookies, and filling entire tables with Easter pastries, homemade candies and lamb cake. She routinely cooked Thanksgiving dinners featuring no fewer than 30 side dishes. She would then bring out numerous pies and cakes and ask everyone, “Would you like a slice of each?”

She was known for her love of God, family and her unmatched spirit of hospitality. It has been said that “One moment you meet her for the first time, the next she makes you feel like you’ve known her forever.”

Family will receive friends at Lakeland Funeral Home Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 6-8 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 12th at 11 a.m. at The Church of the Resurrection in Lakeland, with entombment to follow at Lakeland Memorial Gardens.

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