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MaryAnn Lucy Pensiero, 91, of Harrisburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Carolyn's House Hospice of Central PA, on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. MaryAnn was born on March 30, 1933, daughter of the late Zopito and Angeline (Nardi) Paolone, and was a graduate of Steelton-Highspire High School. Her deep ties to the Steelton community of Cottage Hill remained with her all her life as did her fond childhood nickname, "Red." And a feisty Italian redhead she was! Vibrant, charming, mischievous and engaging, she would greet everyone with a laugh in her voice and would settle in and quickly become a friend and confidant. She loved to mingle and could work a room like no other, be it a bar/restaurant in the 70's and 80's or a hospital wing these past few months…everyone loved to hang out with MaryAnn.
MaryAnn's first employer was the PLCB where she worked as a stenographer. It was there that she met her first and only love, John V. Pensiero, a Philly boy. MaryAnn joked that she courted him because she had the car. The two were married at St. Ann's Catholic Church on April 23, 1960, and settled down in Susquehanna Township soon after to start their family. As a young couple, they enjoyed league bowling, tennis, cards, and loved to go out dancing with friends. For many years, they hosted an annual summer Italian dinner at their home, an event much anticipated by family and friends.
MaryAnn loved life and had many passions; cooking, gardening, sports (all Philadelphia teams), crafting (ceramics), jazz music, politics, travel, playing bingo or going to the casino, community, friends and family. She was a loyal and compassionate friend and a wonderful neighbor. One of her proudest achievements was running a successful family business, Bargain Beer and Soda, Lewistown, for 39 years.
Always, family was the most important thing to MaryAnn. She was a natural caregiver who adored her sons and shared a beautiful and loving bond with each of her grandsons. Her pride in all of them was endless. She was the greatest Nana. MaryAnn was the beloved matriarch of the Pensiero family. She was one of one. She was Nana.
MaryAnn was preceded in death by her husband, John, and her brother, Anthony Paolone. She leaves behind two sons, Frank Pensiero (Leonor) and John Pensiero (Sandie); and two grandsons, Max Pensiero (Madison) and Joseph Pensiero.
The Pensiero family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of our customers and employees for their support, love and friendship throughout the years.