Mary Monaco

AUSTINTOWN - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, with the Rev. Msgr. Ken Miller as celebrant, preceded by a 9:30 a.m. prayer service at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel for Mrs. Mary Ellen D'Altorio Monaco, 93, who passed away peacefully on Monday morning at Humility House, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Monaco was born on Jan. 21, 1923, in Youngstown, the child of Dominic and Florence (Catanzarite) Phillipone.

She attended Stambaugh School and Chaney High School. Following school, Mary Ellen worked as a waitress and hostess for many years in several local restaurants.

Mary Ellen was a former member of St. Anthony Parish, where she was a member and officer of its Altar and Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America.

Most recently, Mary Ellen was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Austintown.

Family was the central theme for her life. Her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were always at the forethought of her thoughts. Mary Ellen also enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening, and dancing.

Mary Ellen leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter, Mary Ellen Chance of Austintown; grandson Tony (Julia Simon) Chance of Sharpesville; granddaughter Gina Marie Chance of Austintown; and great-grandson Jack Chance.

Besides her parents, Dominic and Florence, Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Phillipone; sister Josephine Pachell; her first husband, Carl N. D'Altorio; and late husband, Frank Monaco.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mary Ellen's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Humility House for the compassionate care of her during her stay.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and send online condolences to Mary Ellen's family.